Fans react to Nicola Walker and Sean Bean's "heartbreaking" drama, Marriage
BBC One's contemplative drama Marriage arrived last night, with viewers praising its nuanced portrayal of married life and Sean Bean and Nicola Walker's compelling performances.
The intimate four-parter, written and directed by Mum creator Stefan Golaszewski, follows married couple Ian (Sean Bean) and Emma (Nicola Walker) as they navigate life together, having been married for almost three decades. The drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term, profound relationship, which can be funny, moving and constantly revealing.
While some fans thought it was too slow-paced, others described it as a refreshing antidote to all the high-octane crime dramas on TV, and a masterclass in acting from its two leads. Others also commented that it was a realistic and well-observed depiction of a long-term relationship, which sensitively handled grief and trauma.
"Just watched #marriage on @BBC and loved it. Long silences in between mundane conversations with so much simmering away. Refreshing change from the deluge of over scripted drama we binge upon. Look forward to seeing how it plays out. Real life real drama," one impressed fan wrote.
"Heartbreakingly brilliant. Quiet desperation," another added.
I loved #marriage on @bbcone last night. We piled into the next episode on the @BBCiPlayer. It’s slowly revealing a dark heart of a family dealing with trauma or grief, I’m not sure but I can’t wait to watch more. It’s great the BBC are supporting thoughtful drama
— Jason A Cox (@Jasonalancox) August 15, 2022
Absolutely brilliant. @seanbean and @nicolawalker are stunning. Perfectly nuanced drama,showing exactly how marriage works . The silences, the looks, the unspoken tension, the pain. #marriage bbc drama at its best
— CHRISTINE WILLIAMS (@POULTONGIRL) August 14, 2022
Seeing the responses to @BBC #marriage tonight. I get it, it requires a lot of patience as the viewer. But isn’t that the whole point? The unspoken beautifully mundane movements of a married couples lives?
— Rachael Crockett (@Rach_Crockett) August 14, 2022
"Just watched all of #marriagebbc on i-player and it was utterly compelling viewing," a fan commented.
Meanwhile, Split star Walker recently revealed what it was like filming the drama and joked that a memorable moment for her was a very close encounter.
"My most memorable scene was applying cream to Sean Bean's thigh area," the actress told the BBC. "It was a beautiful moment and one that I never expected as Ian had a nasty rash! It was a tremendous day in my professional career. Luckily it was in a tasteful position for camera!"
The drama also stars Henry Lloyd Hughes, Chantelle Alle and James Bolam.
Marriage airs on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm and the whole series is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
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