This Way Up

This Way Up is a British comedy-drama television series that first premiered on Channel 4 in August 2019. It stars and is written by Aisling Bea. Bea had already made a name for herself in the comedy world, but with This Way Up, she offers her talents as a thoughtful and skilled storyteller, tackling serious subjects with nuanced humor and heartbreaking honesty.

The series centers on the character Aine, played by Aisling Bea, an English-as-a-foreign-language (TEFL) teacher who is trying to get her life back on track after suffering from a nervous breakdown. Although the show deals with serious topics including mental health, grief, and loneliness, its poignant messages are lightened by a warm sense of humor and quick-witted dialogue, creating a show that is at once both contemplative and amusing.

Sharon Horgan, who audiences will likely recognize from her work on the hit series Catastrophe, plays Shona, Aine's older and more sensible sister. Horgan's performance is noteworthy as the ever-worried sibling, struggling to balance her concern for Aine with her own successful career and personal life. The relationship between the sisters forms the heart of the series - it’s a realistic, intimate portrayal of siblinghood, filled with love, conflict, and a deep understanding of each other's flaws and strengths.

This Way Up also features plenty of other recognizably talented actors. Kadiff Kirwan is excellent as Bradley, Aine’s well-meaning, but somewhat clueless colleague, who, like everyone else around her, isn’t quite sure how to deal with her fragile state of mind. Aasif Mandvi portrays Richard, a single father and one of Aine’s students, who, despite their teacher-student relationship, seems to be forming a deeper connection with her. Indira Varma plays Charlotte, Shona's ambitious partner, whose complexities develop throughout the series.

Additional compelling performances come from Pik-Sen Lim, who plays Aine’s student and confidant, an elderly Chinese woman with her own set of problems. Tobias Menzies is perfectly cast as Shona’s well-off, albeit slightly eccentric, business partner and confidant, while Jassem Mougari, Ekow Quartey, and others fill out the ensemble cast, each adding their unique flavor to the series.

The narrative eloquently avoids clichés or easy answers. Instead, it paints a picture of life's ups and downs and the efforts to move forward in the face of adversity. It's well-paced and each character in the series offers a different perspective on handling life's trials. The writing, often full of undercutting humor and abrupt tonal changes, keeps the audience off-balance in a way that accurately reflects Aine’s own state of mind.

Visually, the series is remarkable as it captures the everyday details of life in London, making it as much a part of the narrative as the characters. The meticulously designed sets and well-chosen locations enhance the flavour of the personal stories the series portrays.

This Way Up also touches on the nuances of human relationships, sisterhood, friendship and romance. It's a beautiful exploration of how people navigate these relationships while battling personal demons. In short, it is unflinchingly honest and darkly funny, but it never loses its core sympathy for its characters.

Above all, This Way Up is a prime example of a show that expertly balances humor and pathos, offering a look into mental health and family dynamics that isn’t often seen on television. It's a raw and empathetic portrayal of the human condition that draws in the viewer, making them laugh, cry, and most impressively, contemplate along the way.

All of these elements combine to make This Way Up a truly captivating and unique series. Aisling Bea's writing and performances, alongside those of the show's well-rounded and powerfully portrayed characters, make this show a must-watch, not just for those who enjoy a good combination of comedy and drama, but for anyone who appreciates authentic, insightful storytelling. It's a true gem in the realm of television.