*Spoiler Alert*
*TW: rape / sexual assault*
Based on the book by Sarah Vaughan, this fictional series follows the marriage of Oxford alumni Sophie and James, which is rocked when James is put on trial for rape. As an MP, with a personal friendship with the Prime Minister, the accusations against James throw him into the spotlight whilst Sophie’s world comes crashing down. Skeletons in the closet really are revealed as the show unravels following the court case.
The six part series follows the trial and the effect this has on the Whitehouse family. Split between present day and flashbacks to their time at Oxford, more and more is revealed about James’ past. The audience are exposed to some intense and gripping revelations from the past which are being dragged up in the present day. Political thriller or courtroom drama? This is left for the audience to decide.
The character of Sophie (played by Sienna Miller) is wonderfully executed, with Miller displaying a widespread range of emotions. Her character is forced to choose between believing her husband but facing the reality which families of these crimes have to face. It’s a gripping portrayal of “how the mighty fall” due to the social class and positions of those involved. Yet, it focuses more on the emotional, attempting to surface the darkness and politics surrounding cases of sexual assault. It effectively places light on issues which are ever-present in contemporary society evoking feelings of truth, sadness and grief.
This series gripped me to my core. I felt a strong intensity watching it and I would prepare yourself for this. But ultimately, I found its story and unravelling interesting to watch. As members of the public, we are often exposed to second hand accounts of court, whereas this series dives right in. It tackles the subject of sexual assault at a time where we are seeing an increasing number of celebrities being accused of such. It resonates with a contemporary audience. Alongside the MAJOR (and I mean MAJOR) plot twist, the series takes its audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, glueing you to the screen!