Jack Thorne's new adaptation of William Golding's classic novel 'Lord of the Flies' has been met with mixed reviews, with critics praising the acting but lamenting the script's failure to capture the original's sense of dread. The four-part series, which follows a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island, attempts to bring a fresh perspective by focusing on a different character in each episode.
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly David McKenna as Piggy in his first screen role, alongside Winston Sawyers as Ralph and Lox Pratt as the menacing Jack. However, the script has been criticised for being unevocative and unconvincing, with lines such as 'You're having a jolly good time, aren't you?' and 'This is a bad camp of bad people!' failing to convey the story's elemental power.
The adaptation also falls victim to what some see as the modern curse of psychology, providing backstories for the main characters that explain their behaviour. Jack comes from a loveless household, Ralph's compassion stems from a secure home with a ill mother, and Simon's fragility is due to an abusive father. This approach reduces the story's impact, undermining Golding's exploration of innate human evil.
The series unfolds slowly, with lingering shots of the landscape and wordless scenes that rely heavily on viewers' familiarity with the original story rather than building dread in its own right. The use of a desaturated palette during violent scenes feels like a gimmick that fails to hide the absence of real emotion. Overall, while the acting is excellent, the adaptation lacks the power and dread of Golding's novel.
