Exile

Exile is an enthralling three-part psychological thriller that was broadcasted on BBC One in 2011. Created and written by Paul Abbott, it brings together layers of suspense, drama and emotion through the intricate weaving of personal relationships, familial ties and profound secrets.

Set against the gritty, ethereal backdrop of Edenfield in Lancashire, the drama leads audiences into the troubled life of protagonist Tom Ronstadt, played convincingly by John Simm. Once a successful London journalist, Tom returns home to Edenfield after eighteen years of self-imposed exile, prompted by an inexplicable act of sudden violence.

Tom's return proves to be as unnerving as it is mysterious. He finds his father, Sam Ronstadt, an accomplished journalist in his own right, in the grip of Alzheimer's. Played excellently by Jim Broadbent, Sam’s character is a major driving force in the plot. The deterioration of the mind of this former titan of journalism, the person who Tom looked up to for his professional inspiration, creates a heartbreaking subplot.

As Tom sifts through the fragmented pieces of his past and deals with the harsh realities of his present, he becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets and unsettling revelations. Additionally, his strained relationship with his sister, Nancy, played by Olivia Colman, adds another layer of richness to the narrative. The committed performances of the actors add a resonating emotional depth to the storyline.

Exile also delves deeply into the fragility and dynamism of human relationships and the labyrinthine nature of truth and morality. The dramatic tension in the narrative rests heavily on the ambiguous nature of truth itself. Viewers are to tease out their conclusions from the scraps of information, which are entangled within the realms of fact, distorted memory, and deceit.

Another pleasing aspect of Exilé is its approach to Alzheimer's which is portrayed with sensitivity and respect, avoiding the trap of making it a mere plot device. The gripping portrayal of Sam’s progressing Alzheimer's and his interaction with the world makes for a compelling watch. The show successfully brings forth the heart-wrenching realities of the impact of Alzheimer's on the sufferer and their immediate family members, rather than focusing on it merely for inciting pity. It underlines the tragedy of losing one's memories, identity, and the helplessness experienced by those closest to the sufferer.

The engaging narrative is charged with the palpable atmospheric mood of the Lancashire setting, which is almost a character in its own right within the drama. The cinematography creates an eerie, melancholic landscape that perfectly compliments the darker elements of the storyline.

Guided by the deft hand of director John Alexander, Exile reaches a climax that promises to uncover the truth and expose the complex layers of deceit that have shaped the lives of its characters. The series skillfully tackles difficult subjects with an intensity that is at once moving and engrossing, without compromising the core narrative plot.

As the truth unfolds over the course of the series, each episode of Exile leaves one teetering on the edge of suspense, compelling the audience to follow this intriguing saga of hidden secrets, familial bonds, loss and redemption.

Exile, in all its intense psychological depth and drama, is theatre of the mind that sends a shiver down the spine and makes for compelling viewing for those who enjoy intelligently scripted and well-acted dramas.