Ill Behaviour

Ill Behaviour is a mini-series produced by Showtime that aired back in 2017. The show is a British dark comedy-drama series created and written by Sam Bain, who has previously worked on reputable British comedies such as Peep Show and Fresh Meat. Ill Behaviour comprises of six parts, each full of exciting content, thrilling storylines, and unforgettable characters.

The series takes viewers on a thrilling journey as it traverses the boundaries of friendship, morality, and the lengths people will go to protect their friends. What begins as an exploration into the dynamics of friendship quickly escalates into a dark and dramatic tale full of unexpected twists and turns.

Ill Behaviour focuses on the life of Charlie (portrayed by Tom Riley), a recently divorced man who has also been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Invoking thought and challenging societal beliefs, the series takes an unexpected route when Charlie decides to reject chemotherapy and put his faith in alternative medicine.

His choice sparks concern in his two closest friends, Joel and Tess, played by notable stars Chris Geere and Jessica Regan. Their worry develops into an obsession, leading them down a road of questionable morality as they try to save their friend's life, even if it means crossing certain legal and ethical boundaries.

Joel, a recently divorced and thus embittered individual (played by Chris Geere of You're the Worst fame), finds himself in multiple entanglements at the hands of Charlie's decisions. Tess (Jessica Regan), a doctoral student, embarks on the journey with Joel, primarily based on her pragmatic approach towards medical science and her belief in conventional treatment.

One of the main highlights of the show is Lizzy Caplan, who plays a disgraced and defrocked doctor, Nadia. Nadia brings a further layer to an already complex storyline - she’s battling her demons and is persuaded by Joel and Tess to help them with their aggressive and highly dangerous "health intervention."

Ill Behaviour uses a central theme of "illness" in its narrative but doesn't steer into the realm of a medical drama. Instead, it’s a thorough investigation into human relationships, dilemmas, and how extreme circumstances bring out the most intense reactions in people. The show masterfully uses black humour to portray a serious and terrifying conflict, allowing the audience to comprehend the gravity of the story while also lightening the mood with timely laughs.

The series doesn't shy away from discussing topical issues like alternative medicines versus conventional treatments. It doesn't necessarily take a strong stand but presents a nuanced look at these divergent views, demonstrating to viewers that opinions can differ wildly between individuals, especially when it's about personal health and well-being.

Furthermore, the serendipitous meeting of Charlie, Joel, Tess and Nadia in Ill Behaviour serves as a backdrop for exploring various aspects of human relationships - friendship, love, guilt, and desperation. Each episode exposes more layers to their dynamic relationship, leading to unexpected confrontations and revelations that keep the viewers on edge, making this series a truly compelling watch.

Ill Behaviour balances its serious exploration of diseases, personal choices and relationships with a genuinely funny undertone that never seems out of place or utilised for mere comic relief. In fact, the comedy in the show supports the story, softening the blow of the intense encounters between the characters making the audience laugh, even during the most stressful moments.

This dark-comedy series from Showtime surprises its audience by consistently subverting expectations. With a combination of excellent writing by Sam Bain and impressive performances from the ensemble cast, the show delivers an unusual yet gripping storyline that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It tests the limits of friendship, the pursuit of personal beliefs, and the lengths to which one would go to, all in the name of love and care for a friend.

Ill Behaviour is more than a television series - it's a journey that asks hard questions, offers no easy answers, toys with societal norms, and brings its audience along for the ride, with every step surprising and more unpredictable than the last. This dramatic, yet humorous mini-series retains its freshness even years after its release, making it still worth the watch for anyone looking for a unique audio-visual experience that exhilaratingly blends comedy and drama.