A powerful new BBC drama has captivated audiences, with many fans admitting they were so gripped they consumed the entire series in a single, emotionally draining sitting. The five-part adaptation of Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel, 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North', has become an unexpected hit on BBC iPlayer, lauded as one of the year's most poignant television events.
An Epic Tale of Love and Trauma
The series, which boasts a flawless 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, tells a sprawling generational story. It follows Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans, portrayed in his younger years by Saltburn's Jacob Elordi and in later life by Belfast's Ciarán Hinds. The narrative weaves from a forbidden pre-war romance through the brutal horrors of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Burma, exploring the enduring psychological scars of conflict.
The heart of the story is Dorrigo's haunting, secret affair with his uncle's wife, Amy, played by Odessa Young. This lost love torments him even more than his experiences as an unlikely war hero surviving the labour camp. Olivia DeJonge plays his wife Ella, with Simon Baker as his friend Keith.
Viewers Left Emotionally Shattered
The emotional impact on viewers has been profound. On review platforms, audiences have shared how the series has affected them, with many confirming they watched all five episodes back-to-back. One reviewer stated on Google: "Watched all 5 episodes in one evening. Very good series. War and love. Great acting, lovely soundtrack and a glimpse into the pain and suffering of WW2 and letting go of the love of your life."
Another echoed the sentiment, calling it an "outstanding series" that was "not an easy watch, but well worth it." The show's ability to provoke tears has been a common theme, with one fan revealing: "This series just destroyed me. I still cannot think about it without crying... A beautiful show. Highly recommend."
Praise for Cast and Cinematic Craft
Critics and audiences alike have praised the on-screen chemistry between Jacob Elordi and Odessa Young, while Ciarán Hinds has been commended for bringing profound emotional depth to the older, haunted Dorrigo. Elordi himself spoke to the BBC about the physically demanding nature of filming the prisoner-of-war scenes, describing carrying a real tree up a cliff for hours as akin to "being in a massive theatre production that was constantly playing."
Ciarán Hinds confessed he was immediately enthralled by Flanagan's source novel, describing it as "extraordinary... harrowing, heartbreaking, a kind of epic storytelling." Viewers have also highlighted the series' unflinching portrayal of war's reality, its stunning cinematography, and its moving soundtrack.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North is available to stream in full now on BBC iPlayer.
