Mr Loverman, review: Lennie James dazzles in a rarely told story of illicit late-life love
A lot of television series start strong but tend to lose momentum as they progress. However, Mr Loverman (BBC One) defies that trend. Initially, I didn’t warm up to it. The show is inspired by a delightful novel from Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo, and right off the bat, it feels very much like an adaptation of a book.
In novels, writers often delve deep into a character's inner thoughts. This adaptation translates those internal musings into voiceovers that fill each scene. However, the lead character, Barrington Walker, portrayed by Lennie James, an incredibly talented British actor, brings this character to life without relying heavily on narration. James expertly conveys Barrington's thoughts through his facial expressions, movements, and overall physicality, much like the best actors do. It seems that Nathaniel Price, the writer, holds the source material in such high regard that he has included every single line from Evaristo's work, instead of having the confidence to streamline it for the screen.
I kept at it and I'm really glad I did, as the storytelling became less intrusive and the characters grew on me. The topic feels fresh and unique. Barrington is a stylish seventy-something with Antiguan roots living in London. He has been married for 50 years to his devout wife, Carmel (Sharon D Clarke), and they have two daughters together. However, he is concealing a significant truth: he is gay. His best friend, Morris (Ariyon Bakare), is actually his partner. Barrington has been talking for a long time about revealing his secret to Carmel, saying, “There comes a time when the mask has to drop and the charade has to stop.” Yet, he struggles to take that step.
This isn't a serious drama, which is partly due to the episodes being just thirty minutes each. While it does address issues like homophobia within the Caribbean community and the traditional views held by Carmel's church-going friends, there are also moments of real pain shown through flashbacks, such as when Morris's wife finds out about his true self and decides to take their children away. However, there's also a lighthearted touch, especially in Barrington's confusion about the lifestyle choices of his daughter, who works as a fashion stylist.
Evaristo has crafted a striking character in Barrington, an intellectual man who loves the fashion of the 1950s and enjoys referencing classic literature. He embodies various contradictions; while he's a dreadful husband, he is quite likable. Clarke faces a tougher challenge in portraying Carmel as relatable and more than just a bothersome spouse. A later episode sheds light on her viewpoint, adding depth to her character. The main tension in the story revolves around whether Barrington will choose to be truthful, and the impact that decision could have on the lives of those around him.
The series takes a step back to explore Barrington's early relationship with Morris, but the scenes set in the present, which delve into themes of love and desire in later life, are the most compelling.
You can now watch Mr. Loverman on BBC iPlayer, and it will also be broadcast on BBC One at 9 PM on Monday, October 14.
