The BBC period drama 'The Moonstone,' based on Wilkie Collins' 1868 novel, is now available to stream on Prime Video after its original broadcast on BBC One. The five-episode miniseries has been praised by critics and viewers alike, with poet T.S. Eliot describing the source material as 'the first and greatest of English detective novels.'
Plot and Cast
The story follows Rachel Verinder, played by Terenia Edwards, a young English woman who inherits a highly valuable and religiously significant Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. When the diamond goes missing during her party, a turbulent investigation into the theft unfolds. The series also features Sarah Hadland, known for her role in 'Miranda,' as Drusilla Clack, and James Bond star David Calder as Mr Bruff.
Filming and Production
The period drama was filmed in North Yorkshire, with shoots at Thornton Watlass Hall, a Grade I listed Georgian country house. The BBC deliberately scheduled the series at an earlier time during its original run to appeal to a younger audience as part of its #LoveToRead initiative.
Critical Reception
Viewers have shared positive reactions on IMDb and Reddit. One IMDb reviewer said: 'So... I happened upon my mom watching this and became so invested that I read the book, then rewatched the show. It's one of the greatest mysteries in classic literature, and this miniseries does it total justice.' On Reddit, a fan added: 'Loved it! I think it's one of the most underrated adaptations, definitely worth a watch.' Another commented: 'The series is very true to the book! I think it's a great adaptation!' A fourth urged: 'Do it, do it, do it (When I started it, I stayed up way too late watching it!)'
Literary Significance
Wilkie Collins' original novel has been described on Goodreads as a 'spellbinding tale of romance, theft, and murder inspired a hugely popular genre–the detective mystery.' T.S. Eliot wrote in one of his essays: 'The one of Collins’s books which is the most perfect piece of construction, and the best balanced between plot and character, is The Moonstone.'
Availability
'The Moonstone' is now available to buy in full on Prime Video.
