A BBC period drama starring John Simm and Phoebe Dynevor has been hailed as a "masterpiece" by fans, who describe it as "soul-destroying" yet perfect for enthusiasts of Downton Abbey. The series, titled The Village, has garnered a devoted following since its debut, with viewers binge-watching the cherished show.
What Is The Village About?
Written by Peter Moffat, The Village is a BBC television series set in a Derbyshire village during the early 20th century. The narrative spans from the summer of 1914 through to 1924, documenting the lives of residents as they navigate turbulent times. The first series aired in 2013, covering the years 1914 to 1920, followed by a second series in 2014 that extended into the 1920s. Unfortunately, the show was not renewed for a third series.
The official synopsis reads: "This epic drama charts the turbulent times experienced by one English village throughout the 20th century. Births, deaths, political events and rebellions are among the events that occur during the time." Central to the story is Bert Middleton, a man who lives across the entire 100-year period. His journey from boyhood to old age is told through flashbacks as Bert is interviewed in the present day by a director making a documentary about him and his village.
Bert recounts being smitten at age 12 by the beautiful Martha Lane, whose family had just arrived in the village—an event that would change his world forever.
Star-Studded Cast
Bert is portrayed by several actors as he ages, including Bill Jones, Alfie Stewart, Tom Varey, and David Ryall. John Simm and Maxine Peake play Bert's parents, John and Grace Middleton. The cast also features Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton and Joe Duttine from Coronation Street, alongside Nico Mirallegro, Charlie Murphy, Juliet Stevenson, Augustus Prew, Emily Beecham, Rupert Evans, Kit Jackson, Matt Stokoe, Stephen Walters, Ainsley Howard, and Annabelle Apsion.
Filming Locations
The first series was filmed in and around several "intensely beautiful" Derbyshire villages, including Hayfield, Edale, Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and Charlesworth, as well as the grounds of Tatton Park in Cheshire.
Where to Watch
All 12 episodes of The Village are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Fan Reactions
Audiences have continued to heap praise on the drama online. One IMDb user wrote: "Dark and wonderful. Derbyshire and Cheshire have never looked better. This is a truly wonderful series." Another enthused: "This series is the best TV series I have watched. Second to none! It is honest to the point of soul-destroying yet so real, humorous, empathetic and horrific. I predictably cry and smile in every show, it is such an emotional drama, the best of BBC acting I have seen."
A third remarked: "This series has it all. It's the best of television," while another viewer noted: "How much has changed in 100 years, how well the BBC has done in creating another masterpiece series." A fifth viewer echoed those feelings: "This is undeniably excellent. To say this is absorbing is an understatement. One of the best I've ever seen, and I watch a lot. Riveting, expertly portrayed and most of all, true."
The Village is available to stream on Prime Video.
