My Mother and Other Strangers TV Miniseries Review
Prior to watching My Mother and Other Strangers, I had no particular affection for it. Not because I expected anything “bad” to result, but rather because I knew very little about it. Call it trepidation or some sort of disinterest, whatever emotion I attach it’s this that caused a delay in my seeing this.
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The narration of an older Francis Coyne (Ciarán Hinds) opens the story (and each installment). He tells of a letter he found in his mother’s possessions, a letter addressed to his elder sister. This brings him back to 1943 where a young Francis lives in Moybeg Ireland. As the war rages, their small community remains unscathed. The one reminder of this is the presence of American soldiers, stationed at a base near their home.
The Coyne home is a happy one. Led by Francis’ father Michael (Owen McDonnell), a native of Northern Ireland, there’s his elder sister, Emma (Eileen O’Higgins), and the baby of the family, Kate. Then there’s his mother, Rose (Hattie Morahan). Rose isn’t Irish. In fact, in many ways, she’s a stranger to these lands and a curiosity among the Moybeg people. Born in England, she’s a woman with sensibilities who tries to teach her children proper manners and grammar. Still, seventeen years ago, Rose followed Michael to this place, and though her life is nothing like she expected, she’s content.
And then everything changes when, a chance encounter with the dashing American, Captain Dreyfuss (Aaron Stanton), changes Rose.
Regardless of the implications, My Mother and Other Strangers is really a story about lost dreams. In no way does it resemble the ordinary suggestions of its “love triangle” teaser. Instead of tawdry behavior, the script is an intelligent look at questions of anguish and morals. All of which questions the possibilities of “What if?”
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This drama is quite possibly the best surprise I’ve seen from the genre this year. Whether it’s the haunting score or the panoramic landscape scenes, the viewer is easily swept up in this story. The sense of “place” and filming is so breathtaking it becomes a feeling that transports us to Moybeg. More evocative still are the Irish shores where Rose walks along the cliffs.
Written specifically for Hattie Morahan, this 5-part miniseries suits her beautifully. She portrays the right emotions of this conflicted character; a woman ingrained with a strong sense of right vs wrong. Like Sense and Sensibility, as Rose, Morahan seems to grasp the deep emotional connection she needs to make with the audience.
Although there’s no official word, there is a rumor of a possible follow up. The ending surprises me in unexpected ways. It’s bittersweet and touching, indicative of the warring emotions leading up to its final act. With exception to the direction of one episode (episode five opts for a few too many close ups), this is beautiful. Though it might not provoke the same reactions in most enthusiasts as Poldark, the quiet, sincere nature of the piece is riveting. Overall, My Mother and Other Strangers is a memorable period piece that would be a delight to see return.
Content: There’s very little content. Some fisticuffs break out; one man is beaten up, another man abuses his wife (off screen). There is also some minor innuendo and questions about extra-marital affairs.
Where to Watch: My Mother and Other Strangers is available on Amazon Video, on DVD or you can stream it on Masterpiece Theatre’s website.
OVERALL RATING
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
ROMANCE RATING
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My
feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me
to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Photos: Masterpiece Theatre / PBS
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Originally I thought this series felt flat. But after reading your review I have gained another perspective. I do love how the show has highlighted a piece of history that isn’t discussed often -a neutral Ireland.
True, Brittaney. This series took a very different approach to the norm of this era, and that’s refreshing. 🙂
I loved this one…really hope it comes back!!! Can’t help but like Aaron Stanton…
As did I, Emma! So good. I loved the “quiet nature” of it, and like you, really liked Aaron and his character. I’ve read that the cast is interested in returning for more (or some of them), so that makes me hopeful we could return for a more “settled” conclusion. 🙂
I thought the writing and setting was quite good, though I wished the series had given us a bit more information about the special status of Northern Ireland vs Ireland in WWII. I don’t know if I want a second series yes or no, it can only end bad for Rose, Captain Dreyfus and poor Michael…
Hi, Birdie! My apologies for the late reply.
I totally understand what you’re saying. But I must confess I’d like a second season. While I do feel bad for Michael (he DOES seem like a genuinely nice guy), I find Rose’s interest in the Captain really interesting. It’s an emotion that seems to go against her nature which is what makes the relationship (or idea of one) so captivating. Rose isn’t a normal heroine which is why I don’t think she’d deal with these feelings in the normal ways. That said, if this would progress beyond what it already has, I wouldn’t personally approve if for no other reason than, as you wisely say, it would end badly.
Glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts!