BBC's Mint Crime Drama Blends Magical Realism with Gangland Romance
The BBC has launched its latest crime drama, Mint, an eight-part series that defies conventional genre expectations by weaving magical realism into a tale of forbidden love within Glasgow's criminal underworld. While the broadcaster is renowned for gritty police procedurals like Line of Duty and Happy Valley, this new offering takes a markedly different approach, focusing on emotional depth over traditional crime-solving narratives.
A Romeo-and-Juliet Story in a Criminal Setting
Mint follows Shannon, the romantically naive daughter of a crime family, as she falls for Arran, a member of a rival gang. Their relationship is portrayed as a classic star-crossed romance, filled with passion, danger, and heartbreak. According to the BBC, the series explores "soaring romance, crushing heartbreak and what love might feel like when everyone outside of your family is terrified of you."
Filmed in Glasgow, the show marks the television debut of director Charlotte Regan. It stars Emma Laird as Shannon, navigating life under the shadow of her gangster father Dylan, played by Sam Riley, with support from Laura Fraser as her devoted mother Cat, Lewis Gribben as her brother Luke, and Lindsay Duncan as the indomitable family matriarch, grandmother Ollie. Newcomer Ben Coyle-Larner, also known as musician Loyle Carner, features in the cast.
Surreal Elements and Female Perspective
The series distinguishes itself through its use of magical realism, seen in scenes where Shannon floats in the air over Glasgow or where sparks literally fly during her first meeting with Arran. These stylized moments aim to reflect Shannon's emotional state, with slow-motion sequences depicting fights and family dynamics. Flashbacks to her childhood add a comic touch unusual for crime dramas.
Director Charlotte Regan explained that the magical realism was integral from the start, driven by character emotions rather than strict rules. She emphasized a desire to avoid brutal gangland violence common in other shows, instead focusing on a female perspective and the domesticity of family life. "We thought about how we could do it from the female perspective and make it more about like the domesticity of the family," she said.
Mixed Reception for Genre Fans
While Mint's focus on intergenerational trauma and the women behind crime families offers a refreshing take, its surreal elements may jar viewers accustomed to more traditional crime dramas. The diminishment of darker fight scenes through stylization and the interruption of gang violence themes with fantastical sequences could alienate some fans.
Despite strong performances from the cast, the blend of magical realism with crime narrative might not resonate with all audiences. For those seeking gritty realism, Mint's dreamlike approach may fall short, though it provides a unique alternative in the BBC's drama lineup.
Mint is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, inviting viewers to experience its unconventional mix of romance and crime through a surreal lens.
