8.528 minSeason 3 • Episode 6
LatestIt's Derek's birthday. The family come together to get the house ready for the party.
A comedy about a mother at a milestone in her life. We follow her and her family through a year of new beginnings as she rebuilds her life following the death of her husband. Mum is joined by her supportive life-long friend Michael. Through a year of new beginnings she rebuilds her life surrounded by her family: son Jason and his girlfriend Kelly; her brother Derek and his new partner, Pauline; and her in-laws.
Acting
Lesley Manville's micro-expressions should be studied in film schools.
Writing
Silence speaks louder than dialogue. Every pause matters.
Direction
Static camerawork traps you in Cathy's frozen world.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Richard Laxton shot many scenes in single takes to force actors into uncomfortable intimacy — you can feel it.
Stefan Golaszewski's writing deliberately rejected the 'widow finds new man' trope; Michael and Cathy's arc spans three years of almost-nothing.
GB
