Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a bold and provocative drama series that premiered on BBC One in 2018. This British-made television show captures the universal human experience of how we love, how we express our desires, and how we grapple with the modern complexity of relationships. It is underpinned by award-winning actress Toni Collette in the lead role, alongside Steven Mackintosh, Zawe Ashton, and Royce Pierreson, who deliver stellar performances.

Toni Collette plays Joy Richards, a renowned therapist grappling with her own personal life even as she is intent on helping her clients navigate theirs. After a traumatic accident that leaves her reassessing her life and marriage, Joy is prompted to find new ways to keep her passion alive. The series explores her quest for sexual fulfillment outside of her routine existence, shattering societal norms and bringing to the forefront complex issues of monogamy and the modern family unit.

Steven Mackintosh is her husband, Alan Richards, a fellow teacher who has his struggles and emotional battles to wrestle with. The couple, married for years, have their love for each other challenged as they deal with their respective personal journeys towards self-discovery and fulfillment. Their three children, each with their own issues and stories to tell, add a layer of complexity to the narrative of this family unit.

Wanderlust is not just about Joy and Alan, though. Zawe Ashton plays Claire Pascal, one of Joy’s clients, whose relationship with her boyfriend raises questions of vulnerability and emotional transparency. Royce Pierreson as Jason Hales, another of Joy’s clients, explores the themes of love, infidelity, and the search for true happiness in a relationship. Each character’s story is intertwined with the others, creating a layered narrative that is both candid and immensely relatable.

The drama series is grounded in a sense of authentic reality, reflected in its complex characters and the labyrinth of their relationships. It delves into the social, psychological, and emotional complexities of monogamy, relationships, love and desire – giving a nuanced perspective on marriage in the modern age. Viewing relationships through a lens that is rarely used in mainstream television, Wanderlust taps into deep, existential questions about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

Created and written by Nick Payne and directed by Luke Snellin, the show is a brave depiction of love and desire with all their inherent complications. Amidst the dramatic storytelling, Wanderlust offers some comic relief, providing a balanced viewing for the audience while maintaining the series' essential themes and narrative depth. The authentic dialogue, inspiring performances, and the adept handling of the storyline ensure that the audience remains hooked throughout the series.

The show uses a blend of dramatic tension and realistic scenario-building to take the audience on a journey of self-discovery with each character, making it much relatable for the viewer. It emphasizes that love and relationships are always a work in progress and that there is much to explore beyond the societal norms and expectations.

The backdrop of Manchester, with its classic British charm and urban setting, provides a rich texture to the series. The cinematography beautifully captures the character’s feelings and emotions against the backdrop of their changing interpersonal relationships, complementing the narrative impressively.

Wanderlust has been acclaimed for instigating a debate about monogamy and desire, breaking stereotypes about relationships, and bringing a fresh perspective on modern love. The series questions societal norms and assumptions and encourages viewers to interrogate their understanding of love, marriage, and happiness.

In conclusion, Wanderlust is a thought-provoking and heart-stirring drama about human emotions, relationships, and desires. It is a unique exploration into the human psyche with an ensemble of characters who are all-too-human in their flaws, dreams, and pursuits. This is a mesmerizing series that is sure to evoke a broad spectrum of emotions in its viewers, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives.