BBC drops 'incredibly emotive' war drama with huge star after lengthy wait

The much-awaited television drama The Narrow Road to the Deep North finally graced BBC One screens this weekend.

The five-episode series, which originally premiered on Amazon Primeearlier this year, features an impressive ensemble cast including Jacob Elordi, Odessa Young and Ciaran Hinds.

Branded as 'savagely beautiful', the Australian production chronicles the journey of Dorrigo Evans, portrayed by the Saltburn actor in his youth and Hinds as his elderly counterpart.

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The narrative weaves through his passionate romance with Amy Mulvaney (Odessa Young), his harrowing experience as a prisoner-of-war, and his subsequent life as a celebrated surgeon and reluctant war hero - promising to pull at viewers' emotions.

According to the official synopsis, it reads: "The Narrow Road to the Deep North is an intimate character study of a complex man, a compelling portrayal of the courage and cruelty of war, and an unforgettable love story that sustains one through the darkest of times"

Since hitting screens, viewers have showered the series with acclaim, with many hailing it as a 'masterpiece'.

One viewer gushed: "Wow, I was compelled to binge watch episodes 3,4&5 after watching episode 2 (episode 1 not as gripping imo). Incredibly emotive and the pow camp scenes had me glued to the screen, my heart in my throat and a steady slow flow of tears rolling down my face."

Another fan wrote: "While I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the show, it was easily one of the most jarring, tragic, and captivating stories I've seen in a long time."

Another viewer shared their thoughts, saying: "Powerful story. Appreciated the brutal depiction of war, the incredible endurance of some people, the cruelty of others, and the absolute necessity to seek, or at least hope for, reason and beauty in life."

One fan expressed their admiration: "Excellent series. Well done and congrats to all involved. Illustrates the brutality of war and the complications of dealing with it."

Jacob, reflecting on his decision to take on the role, admitted he was instantly drawn to it, reports the Express.

He commented: "I got a message from Justin Kurzel [the director and executive producer] in my inbox and immediately thought, 'I'll do whatever this is.'

"I don't think we even had scripts at that point. It was just, 'Do you want to work on this?' You hear actors say this all the time - and I hate that I'm about to say it myself - but when I read Richard Flanagan's book, I realised that no one else in the world could play it.

"I had to play Dorrigo, because he has a kind of inner dialogue that Richard writes so well, and every time I read something about the inner workings of his life, I thought, 'That's how I feel.'

"That's that thing that I can never say, that's that thing that I can never touch on." I remember taking it around to my family saying, 'If you want to understand me, read this book' - which was a profound experience to have."

Fans can catch The Narrow Road to the Deep North on BBC iPlayer.