The digital age has provided everyone with a new means of streaming films and TV shows. First, Netflix graced our screens which caused other streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer to up their game. However, another major player in the streaming game is 4oD which streams shows from Channel 4 as well as other box sets and films.
One of the latest additions from 4oD and Channel 4 is the five-part drama ‘It’s a Sin’, created by Russel T Davis and is an absolute must-watch for both entertainment, engagement, and education purposes.
The series follows a group of gay men and their friend Jill, who all move to London together in the 80s when the AIDs epidemic or ‘unknown disease’ as it is referred to in the first couple of episodes, began. What is so great about the series is that we see the characters evolve and come into their own – becoming their true selves and embracing their sexuality and living a prime party life in London.
However, as the show continues, the characters including Ritchie, who is played by Olly Alexander from the band Years & Years, becomes affected by HIV & AIDS, whether this is directly or indirectly. Although the acting was commendable from all the cast including Keeley Hawes who plays Ritchie’s uptight, in denial Mother, what I thought was most enthralling about the show was the issues that it highlighted about the experiences of gay people during this period.
From Ritchie’s perspective, we initially see his feelings of denial, believing that HIV and AIDS is a mere conspiracy. From Jill, we see concern for her friends, who have ultimately become family and her efforts to help and raise awareness by, for example organising protests against pharmaceutical companies who are profiting from HIV and AIDS. Overall, however, what shines through in all the characters is the spirit of friendship and love showing that sometimes friends really do become family.
The series, however, shows the lack of attention and awareness surrounding HIV and AIDs in the present day. Despite being aware of it, the show raised some simple facts about HIV and AIDs that I did not know. According to UNaids.org, 32.7 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the epidemic began and 75.7 million have become infected with HIV. This begs the question as to why it isn’t discussed much more prevalently or commonly.
Moreover, the series also shines a light on the experiences that gay people had during the time. When Ritchie and Jill buy the flat they have rented which is a central hub for the entire show, he denies being gay or ever having an HIV test as mortgages were denied to people who had. The difficult conversations between generations of child and parent are also reflected upon as with Ritchie and the quirky and fun character of Roscoe Babatunde (who GQ magazine hailed as the best-dressed character!).
Covering a topic as serious as the HIV/AIDS epidemic may suggest that ‘It’s a Sin’ is a hard and heavy watch. The beauty of the show, however, is that whilst it homes in on these serious issues, it also engages in the lighter side of the lives that the men and Jill live, making me wish I could be friends with them all! I think that this is why it has had so much positive press coverage since its release. The show takes you on a journey with the characters so when they feel a high we feel happy and when something bad happens it is very emotive.
Throughout this ever-lengthy lockdown ‘It’s a Sin’ is a MUST watch and can definitely be binged on a rainy afternoon! All the episodes are available on 4oD.
5/5 Stars.