Acclaimed WWI drama, starring Eddie Redmayne, was adapted from 1993 bestseller
The BBC’s Birdsong, a poignant two-part drama based on Sebastian Faulks’s 1993 novel, has just been added to the Netflix stable, offering a chance for new viewers to experience this emotional wartime story.
Originally airing on BBC One in January 2012, the series stars Eddie Redmayne, known for The Day of the Jackal, and Matthew Goode, who rose to fame with Downton Abbey.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, Birdsong follows the life of Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman whose emotional journey unfolds through a series of flashbacks. The story delves deeply into his passionate affair with Isabelle Azaire (Clémence Poésy), a married woman he meets in 1910 while staying in Amiens, Northern France. These flashbacks, juxtaposed with Stephen’s harsh experiences on the Western Front in 1916, explore the profound impact of love amidst the brutality of war.
As Stephen tries to distance himself from both his memories of Isabelle and the harsh realities of war, he forms an unlikely bond with Jack Firebrace (Joseph Mawle), a tunneller. Their connection provides an emotional anchor as the drama unfolds across two poignant episodes.
Birdsong features an impressive ensemble cast, including Richard Madden (Bodyguard), Clara Grebot, Anthony Andrews, and George MacKay, among others. Directed by Philip Martin and written by Abi Morgan, the series also boasts executive producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Juliette Howell.
In interviews, Redmayne has spoken about the series’ unique approach to love, emphasizing that Birdsong isn’t just about physical love but explores all its facets – passionate, emotional, and even the love born out of shared hardship during war. The series attempts to capture the complex, multifaceted nature of the human experience during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.
If you’re looking for a gripping exploration of love and war, Birdsong offers a powerful, emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.