Life After Life (2022) User Reviews

interesting ........but not perfect

[mryorkie · 8/10 · 20 April 2022]

Having just binge watched all four episodes, this was rather enjoyable. Sure its a little confusing, and it seems that some of the "lives" in the book have been omitted, but inclusion may have over complicated. I did think the narration was necessary and understated.

Overall, well acted (the Ursula character particularly) , well made, needs concentrations and occasional rewind to catch up on missed plot lines.

Certainly worth watching and better than a lot of the drama series currently being put out.

Period drama reincarnated............

[murada1967 · 8/10 · 21 April 2022]

A refreshing change to the run of the mill period drama. Ground Hog Day mixed with Downton Abbey! Occasionally painful to watch (episode 2 was particularly harrowing) but also uplifting in parts. Certainly kept me gripped. It does drag in parts and the narration is occasionally distracting but overall excellent, including the acting and production values.

Life After Life

[lallenlolp · 8/10 · 23 April 2022]

I didn't have any knowledge about the show's source material and I have never read the book, so I basically started watching this show out of boredom. However, it instantly gripped me. The characters were all very appealing to me and Thomasin McKenzie does a fantastic job as Ursula Todd. The rest of the cast was also outstanding. This series was sometimes uplifting and comedic but sometimes downright depressing. Although it isn't flawless, it definitely kept me watching.

Quality drama

[stephencardell · 10/10 · 20 April 2022]

What a pleasure it is to watch something that is intelligent and meaningful and beautifully written and brilliantly acted.

The story itself is a deep one. Philosophically and emotionally. It deals with life and death and loss and love and everything that makes up a single life. But for Ursula, a single life lived many many times

McKenzie Is an incredible actor. She brings so much depth to the character. She is an absolute joy to watch.

Cracking drama

[joeybanana71 · 10/10 · 1 May 2022]

I binge watched the whole thing, then ordered the book. Casting, script, acting, costumes etc were all top notch. I'm not one for re-watching films or tv shows but I'm planning to watch this one again to see what I missed. Call me dense, but I was some way into it before I realised the other characters were learning from their past lives too - Sylvia finally understanding she needed to cut the cord to save Ursula, Jurgan deciding not to be a Nazi and even the dreadful Maurice had mellowed a bit towards the end. Loved every second of it. Bravo!

Top drawer classic period drama

[JRB-NorthernSoul · 7/10 · 19 April 2022]

Adapted for TV from a popular novel with an intriguing premise - a protagonist continually being reborn with a chance to live her life again with different outcomes.

This was a quality drama with high production values, beautiful direction and cinematography and a fine classical score by Volker Bertelmann. The script by Bash Doran was well-crafted with lovely crisp dialogue and a well paced structure. The cast was strong in depth from the children right up to the protagonist Ursula.

Minor quibble would be the narration - a little over used but in general everyone was on song in this production, congrats all round, I loved it.

Love the book AND loved the adaption

[johnbirch-2 · 10/10 · 21 April 2022]

I have loved the book for some years - re-read it several times - so was a little nervous about the TV series. But it was perfect. Most of the scenes were almost exactly how I imagined them, and the characters too. Having the author, Kate Atkinson, involved obviously helped.

Yet my favourite scenes were ironically the ones where the series departed most from the book (which is not to say it was far), especially episode four, In many ways the TV series tied it all together better than the book did.

Even though I knew what was coming the series still packed emotional hit after hit, so I cannot imagine what someone who did not know it would make of it!

Limited Single Idea Story

[rm-89666 · 6/10 · 11 May 2022]

The production and actors were very good but the central premise of a girl repeatedly dying then having deja-vu memories to avoid danger works well for episode 1 but no further. It just becomes a series of repetitive vignettes with little overall plot or theme. Do not look for any particular insights or meaning and the final episode left my family wondering what it was all about and how it attracted such a production effort. Disappointing.

Thought Provoking

[grahamchris · 8/10 · 22 April 2022]

I'm a big fan of Kate Atkinson novels. So I was keen to see the adaptation of Life After Life. In my opinion, cast and crew have done a great job. It's a very intricate novel and I was concerned it wouldn't work on screen.

I really enjoyed it and Thomasin McKenzie is a wonderful young actress.

Enjoyable premise but confusing historical clangers

[fluffyfour · 7/10 · 9 October 2022]

Halfway through episode one and already very confused by the timing. It appears WW1 begins when Ursula is 10, yet she would have been 4 at its start and 8 when it ends. She also appears to have an older sister who's clearly younger than her! Also, the children's swimming costumes are generally far too Victorian for the time. This is highly distracting when it's crucial to pay attention to the variations in the story. Having said that it is beautifully shot and does what it can to reflect the values of the time, though within the confines of what's acceptable today. Any reference to DA is however misleading. The family is middle class, although it seems to run on a very small staff for that era. I am enjoying the whole idea, which is something I've considered, and it's interesting to see it developed.

Fantastic adaption of a brilliant novel

[holliemarie-h · 10/10 · 21 April 2022]

When I saw Kate Atkinson's outstanding novel 'Life After Life' was being adapted, I was quietly hopeful, but also nervous as the book seems 'unadaptable'.

However, one episode in and I quickly realised this is a faithful, captivating and engaging adaption of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie & Hugh, Ursula's parents. Ursula herself is beautifully portrayed by various actresses.

Although the story has a repetitive element, each 'life' had its own special moments to keep you engaged. Set against the backdrop of war and this becomes a unique period drama that stays with you.

10/10, couldn't fault it.

Hard to define

[one_pat123 · 6/10 · 17 February 2023]

I don't know if I'm being unfair with my rating. I read the book a number of years ago and found it thought provoking, probably would have given the book a nine. Must admit though, I was half way through the book before I figured out what was happening. A difficult book to adapt, I would suggest people read the book. I think if I had not read the book and understood the premise I probably wouldn't have continued watching. It started a bit boring and I could see people Baling halfway though episode one. Give it time it gets better but I still kept comparing it to the book. I prefer the ending of the book more than the series. Love Kate Atkinsons books.

Dreadful, failed adaptation of a wonderful book

[hannahsmithhs-05911 · 3/10 · 12 May 2022]

I understand the book has to be cut down for a tv adaptation, but major characters and plots were completely chopped out, losing far too much of the narrative of the book. Some of the most important lives for establishing her character were omitted, her friends were all omitted, details of most of her love interests were omitted, and even the chance in a few lives of teddy surviving the plane going down were omitted. Overall a wonderful book, butchered for a terrible adaptation.

Why is it tucked away on BBC2?

[skipp-5 · 9/10 · 1 May 2022]

Was unsure about this at first as it sounded a little odd, but I was soon totally hooked. The key notion is one of "what if" - what would our life be like if, at key moments, we made a different choice? It makes a very thought provoking story.

But for me, the story is only one aspect. Its based in a period where life was simpler. Although this is shattered by the backdrop of conflict, and with current world events, seems very relevant.

The cinematography is terrific, with certain "devices" signifying key moments in the episodes. The actors are all very well cast, and their acting excellent. Particularly Thomasin McKenzie who plays Ursula, the main character.

My only grumble, is why was it tucked away on BBC2? There is so much rubbish currently on the UK's premier channel - BBC1, why did it not displace some of this?

Anyway, well worth a watch...

Superb Adaptation

[annbaldwin-55777 · 10/10 · 22 April 2022]

Life After Life on BBC2 is undoubtedly the best adaptation/drama series I've seen on tv for a very long time. Superb acting by the entire cast & wonderful production values. Binge watched the entire series on iPlayer & worth the licence fee alone just for a drama like this!!

They tried to deal with a lot of topics but failed.

[y-38653 · 7/10 · 6 May 2022]

The series itself is sweet and healing owing to good editing and music. But its discussion on each topic is skin deep. I can see they try to talk about love, growth, family, war, women, fate and so on yet what touched me the most and was expressed the most the love of family. Scenes regarding Ursula and her father, Izzy and teddy are heartbreakingly sweet. Some other scenes regarding certain failed life time is heartbreakingly sad. The only problem is that they made the topic discussed from each lifetime so obvious that it became tedious. And killing Hitler is actually kind of funny.

All in all, it is a beautiful and poetic production.

Timeloops.

[Pairic · 8/10 · 11 May 2022]

Life After Life: A cycle of life, death and rebirth from 1910 to the 1940s. Ursula sometimes dies at birth, at times a child, a teenager, an adult. Dies from accidents, suicide, murder, a bombing victim. In one instance she changes history by assassinating a tyrant. This is indeed a tale of the Multiverse traversed by one person, But a person who starts to remember past lives, how this affects their actions and their subsequent treatment is teased out in this adventurous and engaging series. Thomasinn MacKenzie is wonderful as the teen/adult Ursula. Directed by John Crowley, Screenplay by Bathsheba Doran, adapted from the novel by Kate Atkinson. Four episodes on BBC2 amd BBC iPlayer. 8/10.

Why change the ending?!

[Lucy1578 · 6/10 · 21 January 2023]

A mixed bag. Lovely sets and acting. The first episode dragged, but the second was more engaging. The third was good too, but by the fourth I was bored. Unnecessarily harrowing in places, to the point of mawkishness. But I liked the way Ursula's character changed in her different lives. Difficult to watch the mother without thinking Claire in Fleabag! 😀

I have read the book and enjoyed it very much, even if the stuff in Germany is a bit fantastical. But they changed the ending for the series!! That was a mistake - the series ending is a letdown. I won't give away what it should have been, but it means they can't make an adaptation of the sequel, A God in Ruins, which to my mind is actually a better book.

What a fascinating story.....

[beverleyhunniford · 9/10 · 2 May 2022]

Watched on BBC IPlayer one night thinking I would doze off. I watched all episodes, did not doze off, fascinated by the idea. Death one come straight away at birth, cord around the neck, I related as this happened to me - - - (I don't think I died - or did I?). The story was set in a period with a few more perils. The Influenza pandemic was poignant, it took a few attempts to survive the flu, and there were a number of reiterations of WW2 - or are we about to be plunged into something worse with Russia's mad man. Exhausted in the morning - loved it.

Unannswered questions leaves some frustration and missed potential

[rustywriter-292-501345 · 7/10 · 12 July 2022]

I really like the concept of this groundhog day concept where a women is reborn again and again to change her life. Episode 2 got so drab I began to wonder if she was going to get another chance to change things. Thank God she did!

Killing Hitler is of course always the time travelers' dream but unfortunately we never saw the consequences of her action as she died almost immediately afterwards. It would have been good to see an alternative reality without Hitler's war even if it was changed back again in the next life. That is frustration number one, a missed opportunity.

Then there was a question of Ursula's abusive husband and her mysterious sister that no one remembered. I suspect she had the same last name because she was actually his ex-wife or maybe he was a bigamist but this was never cleared up, just a question left unanswered. Maybe it is explained in the book; I don't know, I haven't read it. Frustration number two.

Also the unecessary fight between him and Teddy when all Teddy had to do before he was pumelled was blurt out that he was Ursula's brother is the third frustration although it hardly mattered as that is when Ursula died.

Then there is the rather odd ending where Ursula seems suddenly resigned to not saving Teddy but this is not made clear, or if she will be reborn and try to change things again. Is this because there will be a second series? Is this how the book ended? Frustration number four.

In spite of this, I enjoyed it overall but it missed a lot of potential and the series could have been longer.

A great find. Stumbles across on BBC2

[learylisa · 8/10 · 5 May 2022]

I watched the four part drama without having ever read the book which is probably a good thing as my mild dyslexia would've probably made the book blow my mind.

Beautifully acted and I did not mind the narration although some reviews have said it was quite distracting. I think it added to the reminders that you needed as to whereabouts in time you were.

I think it's up with some really good issues such as domestic violence, suicide and loss and I think it did it really well.

There were times when I was a bit frustrated that in the early part of the drama she was able to go back and make some changes in order to make things better, like pushing the maid down the stairs, but she never seem to be able to save her brother.

The reason I have not two points off is because once again it has the most dreadful non-ending. I don't know whether it's the same as in the book and I'm not saying that I like everything to be happy and complete closure but I cannot stand things that keep you gripped for four hours and then end with a kind of whimsical look on the train without really explaining how she intended to live the rest of her life.

For me it ruined what had been a great four hours but that does not detract from me giving it 8 out of 10. I don't know why is the authors and program makers find the need to think that the viewer wants to have some kind of experience way after a program is finished. I don't.

Pure magic!

[kevonlord-75126 · 10/10 · 4 November 2022]

The music, the cinematography, the cast, everything is pure magic in this mini-film series. Its too good for me to call it a tv series.

I think that this film is heavily concerned with complex post traumatic stress disorder or the effects of surviving prolonged abuse or war etc. Which any human anywhere can fall victim to. More than that everyone is just as vulnerable and capable of being hurt and killed.

Its unbelievable how much death influences our conscious and unconscious life decisions. The threat of death looms large for all of us and this film has a very beautiful message about how we can all accept this painfully tragic facts.

I really loved it. Best thing I have seen in years.

A little gem

[JamesR1973 · 8/10 · 15 May 2022]

I haven't read the book so can't comment on whether it's a faithful adaptation or not, but I found this to be a captivating series. Strangely, I don't believe this was well publicised in the UK which is odd considering the fantastic cast. The acting, cinematography and costumes were all superb and, whilst the subject matter was not easy at times, there was something comforting about the pace and ambience - a trait lacking in many modern dramas.

It's not perfect - the portrayal of Ursula at 10 felt much older and it did feel like it ran out of ideas towards the end, especially as it appeared nothing was really wrapped up. However, you could argue that was the point - with Ursula destined to be reborn again and again and not necessarily improving her position in each lifetime. Whilst this might sound depressing, I did believe she came to understand this herself and instinctively realised she couldn't really control her (nor anyone else's) ultimate fate. As a result, she developed a kind of inner peace. Whether that fits logically with the whole concept of non-linear time I'll leave others to decide.

Even if you feel the ending is inconclusive, the series does provide some good insight into the attitude towards women during the first half of the 20th century and the interactions of family life in general.

I judge a drama based on whether it gets you thinking afterwards, and this one definitely stuck in my mind.

Casting is incredible

[schak23 · 9/10 · 12 May 2022]

Not sure about the story or better the many stories which are told. Some of it did not captivate me too much. But, setting, costumes, and first and foremost the cast is absolutely stunning. All roles have been casted carefully and with magnificent actors and actresses. Language, acting - all in perfection.

Intriguing drama let down by poor writing and structure

[crimeFictionwriter · 8/10 · 21 April 2022]

I enjoyed watching this drama and in particular loved the Ursula character who was so well played. I found myself engrossed very quickly as she moves through different lives and rebirths at the speed of someone shuffling a pack of cards. The rest of the cast were also excellent especially the women who played her aunt.

One scene in particular was heartbreaking where she had to make a tough decision for herself and her daughter when they were both starving to death. And no I won't give the game away as I hate spoilers.

Sadly, the drama was let down by some poor writing and structure and I found myself scratching my head at the end of the final episode. It was never revealed what the thing was that Ursula had to do that she could never remember. This left me worried that I had missed an episode but when I re-watched them all I was still left with the same puzzlement as there didn't seem to be an answer for Ursula or us.

This was a highway watchable drama but with better writing and structure and the resolution to the thing Ursula couldn't remember it could have been magnificent.