The BBC drama Best Interests, written by Adolescence creator Jack Thorne and starring Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen, will be available on Netflix from 10 July. The four-part series has been hailed as 'outstanding' and 'near perfect' by critics and viewers alike.
Plot and Cast
The story follows Nicci (Horgan) and Andrew (Sheen), a couple facing an impossible choice. Doctors advise them to stop treatment for their 13-year-old daughter Marnie (Niamh Moriarty), who has been living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. As medical professionals take the case to the High Court, Nicci and Andrew become increasingly divided over what is best for their child.
The supporting cast includes Alison Oliver, Noma Dumezweni, Chizzy Akudolu, Mat Fraser, Gary Beadle, Lucian Msamati, and Lisa McGrillis.
Critical Acclaim
Best Interests holds a near-perfect score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers on IMDb have also praised the series. One reviewer wrote: 'Starring two great actors, Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen, and written by one of our best British TV writers, Jack Thorne, my expectations were high and I wasn't disappointed. It's impossible to watch this story and not be deeply moved as it examines one of those dilemmas every parent prays they'll never face. It's emotional and raw and entirely convincing, not the easiest watch but an essential one not to be overlooked.'
Another viewer commented: 'This is The BBC at its best. This is an outstanding drama. I've said many times that drama works when it makes you think, question and feel. This show prompted several passionate discussions at work, all of us had different opinions.' A third added: 'Excellent writing, directing and editing shine through, highly recommended.'
Jack Thorne on the Inspiration
In an interview with Deadline, Thorne explained his motivation for writing the series: 'Empathy is what telly does best, so being given an opportunity to look inside that dynamic and find the truth within that dynamic in a setting that feels real — that's what I live for.'
