Stan has this morning released It’s A Sin, a new series from Russell T. Davies.
When It’s A Sin opens we have transported to 1981 London and introduced to Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander), a closeted law student; the very out and proud, much to the shame of his parents, Roscoe Babatunde (Omari Douglas); the shy Colin (Callum Scott Howells) who fits gentleman’s suits at a department store; and university student Ash (Nathaniel Curtis). Also joining these group of lads is drama student Jill (Lydia West).
The series, which takes place over a decade, sees the fivesome move into a flat in ‘The Pink Palace and enjoy London with the youthful enthusiasm of discovering yourself without a care in the world. Lurking in the background, however, is the AIDS virus, which soon becomes big news in the community, creating a divide between those who believe and those who think it’s a rumour to stop them enjoying life.
Russell T. Davies has created a series where characters leap off the screen and into your heart and quickly capture your attention as each key player is given time to introduce themselves. There’s a mix of light and dark moments throughout that is perfectly balanced.
With its mostly fresh-faces lead cast, It’s A Sin is a compelling bunch, but it’s Callum Scott Howells and Olly Alexander who spark The cast also features standout performances from Keely Hawes, the deeply conflicted mother of Ritchie, and Neil Patrick Harris as Henry Coltrane, Colin’s colleague and guide to becoming himself.
It’s A Sin is damn near flawless with superb characters and a compelling story full of laughs and tears. This is one series you can’t afford to miss and might just be the best international show of 2021.
5 Stars
It’s A Sin now streaming on Stan.
