Elizabeth Is Missing

I am so glad to see Glenda Jackson back on the box, hard to believe she's 83 here, still has such gravitas as an actress, terrific to watch. Overall I thought this was excellent, at times hard to watch because of the subject material, but ultimately rewarding. Twenty seven years away from tv, and nothing has changed.

If I'd had any sense I would have saved this for Christmas day, as it's not the most amazing schedule imaginable. However I watched it, and loved it. Refreshing to watch a one off ninety minute drama, I miss this format, not always do you want to watch a seven part drama, this was a nice change up.

Watching this and having a family member who suffers with dementia brought it home just how tough it really is.

Some uncomfortable scenes, but a great story, and of course the wonderful Glenda Jackson, a winner. 9/10

Such a sad but beautiful portrayal of those of us that do, have and will suffer with such illnesses. The remembering of certain facts only adds to the sadness when in general this would enthuse an audience. Well written and fantastic acting.

I don't think I have ever written a review before but after watching this I felt compelled to.

Glenda Jackson's portrayal of a lady who has Alzheimers is played fantastically. I have worked with people with dementia/Alzheimers for 20 years. When programs like this come out I always watch and criticise because some performances are laughable. But this one was relatable on so many levels.

Glenda Jackson makes her return to screen acting after 27 years. During that time she became an elected Labour MP and Minister of State for Transport.

It is easy to dismiss this as a drama of an old woman with advancing dementia. Elizabeth is Missing shares somewhat with Christopher Nolan's Memento. Maud is suffering from dementia. The missing memories means she has no idea as to what has happened to her friend Elizabeth.

Maud's search for Elizabeth also unlocks deeply buried memories of another mystery in Maud's past. That of her older sister who has been missing since 1949.

As the drama goes on, I sort of guessed what may have happened to Elizabeth. Maud's behaviour such as her constant gardening leads to a more interesting story.

Jackson claims that she understood the devastation of dementia from the old people's homes she visited during her time as a politician. You can tell you are watching a master craftsman at work, just watch her gait as Maud goes searching for her friend.

It must be said when it comes to making dramas the BBC very rarely fails. This was brilliant.

Maud is a mother and grandmother tackling life's daily challenges only in reality she is in the depths of dementia. The story centres around Maud trying to find her friend Elizabeth who has gone missing. Nobody seems to care apart from Maud and the frustration she feels is very evident. The current events are also triggering past memories of another missing person in Maud's life but I won't say anymore about that.

Glenda Jackson is absolutely amazing as Maud. My husband actually asked me if she has dementia in real life, her performance is so convincing.

Losing a parent to dementia is a fear every person must contemplate at some point and this drama echoes that fear with unabashed realism.

This is an emotional ride you won't forget in a hurry. A must see.