BBC's Life After Life, a 2022 miniseries based on Kate Atkinson's novel, has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' by critics and fans alike. The series, created by playwright Bash Doran and directed by John Crowley, boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.
The drama follows Ursula Todd, a woman in the first half of the 20th century who experiences an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. She dies one night in 1910 before drawing her first breath, only to be reborn and survive. Living and dying in different circumstances, Ursula navigates each life through a critical era spanning two world wars.
Critics have praised the series for its fully realised world and beautiful writing. One critic noted: 'It’s such a fully realised world, beautifully written and directed... that Life After Life’s lack of traditional storytelling is, despite so much suffering and death, rather life-affirming.'
Viewers have also expressed admiration, with one Google reviewer calling it 'the Best Show I've ever seen' and an IMDb reviewer describing it as a 'top drawer classic period drama' with high production values, beautiful direction, and a strong cast.
