Three Families

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

Whilst most of the world has moved on, in recent times Northern Ireland's abortion laws have failed to catch up with the rest of the world, and only a landmark recent ruling has caused this to change. In 2013, Theresa Ryan (Sinead Keenan) lives with her partner Mark (Owen McDonnell) and her daughter Orla (Lola Petticrew) from a previous relationship. Their world is plunged in to chaos when they learn Lola is pregnant, and wants an abortion. Meanwhile, lawyer Jonathan Kennedy (Colin Morgan) learns his wife Hannah (Amy James-Kelly) is pregnant, but that the foetus has an inoperable condition that will cause it's life to end upon birth.

The producers of the controversial, uneasy drama Three Girls have followed up that production with another true life drama that steps on uneasy ground, called Three Families. Creating something with an almost identical title does give it a bit of a cheapening effect, even if the product itself is perfectly sound. In a time of extremes, abortion is a hot potato topic that those with right leaning views or those of a strong religious bend still have quite powerful views on, but few places around the western world still have very restrictive legal stances on it as NI did until only recently.

This is certainly highly charged stuff, dramatising a situation that had profound implications for those living in the little corner of the world where the law was how it was in what were only very recent times, and director Alex Kalyminos has chosen two highly stirring tales to depict the situation to everyone, with solid performances from all involved. Sadly, with only two episodes (down from TG three!) the production isn't given enough time to explore the story in quite as much depth and substance to do it justice.

While it does leave you feeling a little short changed, without the emotionally impacting payoff it could have, it's still compelling drama, shining a light on the detrimental impact of staying stuck in the past. ***

Love Genevieve Oreily so I thought I'd give it a go. It was decent. Acting's good. It's depressing but a true story. Hers was heartbreaking. No pro lifers are going to like it so don't even watch it and criticize it because of course you won't like the source material. Anyways decent watch.

I find myself wanting to thank the writer of this heart wrenching programme for creating something as bold and unflinching as 'Three Families'.

The empathy with which this often contested issue is handled is a real testament to its direction and the wonderful actors. I would advise everyone with a uterus (and everyone who knows someone with a uterus) to watch this brilliant piece of real-life drama. 10/10.

Deals with an important issue in a sensitive, subtle and impactful way. Moves swiftly, can be difficult watching, but gripping.

This is quality British drama at its best. When reviewing a movie or TV show one should never let your personal bias get in the way. The person who gave this 1/10 is being grossly unfair and placing their personal bias ahead of logic and fairness.

Whatever your stance on abortion this program is brilliantly acted and gives a very realistic insight into the narrow mindedness and harm of a small minority group. You feel for all the characters who are believable at all times. They are placed in devastating predicaments. It's hard to believe this is so recent.

The anti abortion activists featured in this program need to stare logic in the eye. If every unwanted child was born who would take care of them? There are many questions asked in this program but it's fundamentally an excellent drama featuring characters you like and feel empathy for.

Thankfully progress has been made. It's a thoroughly excellent drama.