Fans of gritty BBC crime dramas such as Luther and Happy Valley have been binge-watching a lesser-known 90-minute film that originally aired in 2014. Titled Common, the made-for-television production has left viewers utterly 'heartbroken' despite its relative obscurity.
Plot and Cast
Written by acclaimed screenwriter Jimmy McGovern and directed by David Blair, Common stars Nico Mirallegro, Michelle Fairley, and Harry Potter alumnus Michael Gambon. The story follows 17-year-old Johnjo O'Shea (Mirallegro), who agrees to drive his older brother's friends to a pizza takeaway in his brother's car. Unbeknownst to Johnjo, one passenger intends to confront a rival at the location. A confrontation leads to the stabbing death of bystander Tommy Ward, and Johnjo is charged as an accessory to murder under the controversial Joint Enterprise legal doctrine, which allows multiple individuals to be prosecuted for the same crime regardless of their individual roles.
Real-Life Inspiration
McGovern drew inspiration from the real case of 16-year-old Jordan Cunliffe, who was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years under joint enterprise for the murder of Garry Newlove in 2007, despite reportedly playing no active role in the attack. The film explores the legal proceedings and the emotional toll on the families involved.
Critical and Audience Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer described the drama as 'actor and storyline driven' and noted it 'brings a new area of crime and punishment to light.' Another called it 'simple, but powerful all the same,' while a third admitted, 'Very well made and acted, but so heartbreaking I never want to see it again.' The Guardian praised it as 'a brutal and devastating drama' that is 'bleak, powerful' and 'thick with political intent,' though noting this 'occasionally robs it of its quality.'
Availability
Common is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering a compelling watch for fans of hard-hitting legal and crime dramas.
