Fans have been waiting eagerly for the release of Without Sin, the new four-part series starring Nottingham actor Vicky McClure and directed by Frances Poletti. The new ITVX drama was spotted filming around the city earlier this year and the episodes appeared on the new streaming site on today (December 28).
The gritty crime drama is one to watch for its excellent performances from both Vicky McClure and her co-star Johnny Harris. Not only that but it's fun to play spot the city locations throughout the series as notable Nottingham spots make an appearance from Cornerhouse to the left lion to Victoria Market.
Without giving too much away, Vicky stars as grieving mother Stella whose daughter Maisy was found murdered in the family home. Stella withdraws from her social life, splits with her husband Paul and starts working as a late-night taxi driver unable to cope with her grief.
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It's an intense performance from Vicky who delivers a very watchable character who you feel truly sorry for as she navigates what's left of her complex life after Maisy. She is completely believable as a mother struggling to rebuild after tragedy.
Johnny Harris plays Charles Stone, the man jailed for the murder. Charles reaches out to Stella as part of a restorative justice programme asking to meet her. The character is not only mysterious but volatile in places which Harris plays to perfection creating just the right amount of drama and suspense.
Stella returns to her roots in the fictional Millfields estate in Nottingham and she decides to take things with Charles one step further by visiting him in prison. However, she is left reeling after Charles reveals very shocking information.
The story plays out across Nottingham taking some gripping twists when Stella decides to find out what actually happened to her daughter. Each of the episodes keeps you guessing and ready for more, providing an easily binge-able watch. It's a slow burner rather than giving it all away upfront which is perfect for anyone who loves the thrill of the chase or a bit of suspense.
Is Charles guilty of Maisy's murder or is he an innocent man? There are enough false leads and guessing games to keep you truly hooked throughout the episodes while managing to avoid a disappointing ending.
Although Millfield is a fictional place in Nottinghamshire, it feels like it could be any of our nearby towns. Nottingham locations pop up throughout the series with some truly great choices including a cafe in Victoria Market, the iconic left lion and Cornerhouse. It's a genuine delight to see the places you know and love appear on the screen and makes a refreshing change to have something filmed locally highlighting the great depth of talent that the city has to offer filmmakers.
The gritty crime show could not be more Nottingham if it tried. As well as being filmed here, it is co-produced by Vicky and her partner Johnny Owen’s production company BYO and the show is written by Nottingham director Francis Poletti who was delighted to be able to base the series here.
While it is unclear how the series could provide a round two, speaking with Nottingham Post, Poletti is keen to return to the fictional Millfield for a second series. Although it is unclear if it will return or not.
All in all, a great performance, as usual, from Vicky McClure and Johnny Harris along with a gripping and suspenseful plot. While it may not be the most cheery of Christmas TV, it makes the perfect thriller if you need a break from all the seasonal happiness.
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