This England

This historical drama miniseries offers an unflinching look at the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. It focuses on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's tumultuous response to the crisis, charting the political and personal challenges faced by him and his government. The series weaves together public events with intimate, behind-the-scenes moments, depicting the immense pressure and difficult decisions made during an unprecedented global health emergency.

Critical reception for 'This England' was mixed to negative. While Kenneth Branagh's performance as Boris Johnson received some praise for its impersonation, many critics found the series to be tonally uneven, often veering into melodrama or even unintentional dark comedy. The decision to focus so closely on Johnson's personal life and political maneuvering during a time of national tragedy was also a point of contention, with some reviewers deeming it exploitative or lacking in broader social commentary. Audience reception was similarly divided, with many finding the series too soon or too biased.

• Kenneth Branagh delivers a committed performance as Boris Johnson, capturing his mannerisms effectively.
• The series struggles with tone, oscillating between serious drama and moments that feel out of place.
• Many critics questioned the timing and ethical considerations of dramatizing such a recent and sensitive period.

Google audience: Google users expressed mixed feelings about 'This England'. While some appreciated the attempt to dramatize a significant historical event and Branagh's portrayal, many found the series to be too focused on political drama and Johnson's personal life, with some viewers feeling it was insensitive given the recent nature of the pandemic.

Kenneth Branagh underwent a significant transformation to portray Boris Johnson, including prosthetics and a considerable amount of makeup to achieve a likeness of the former Prime Minister.