The last chance to discover who I am
I AM MARIA Channel 4, 9pm
LESLEY Manville is excellent in this final instalment of the trilogy about women at a critical emotional crossroads.
Suranne Jones and Letitia Wright led the previous two episodes, both captivating, playing people in extremely raw and thought-provoking moments.
This final film tells the story of Maria, who you can tell is unhappy the moment you see her face.
Feigning happiness in her marriage to John (Michael Gould) has become suffocating, and Maria’s 60th birthday sparks clarity about her suppressed feelings of discontent.
She doesn’t want a cake or singing or candles. She wants an adventure, another chance to find happiness and freedom.
But husband John won’t have spontaneous sex in the kitchen, he doesn’t want to travel and he believes in stability.
The tension builds, particularly after a very awkward birthday lunch with their children, leaving Maria fuelled by an increasing desire to follow her dreams.
Taking stock of her life, she regrets things she hasn’t done and feels time is slipping away.
With all the kids having left home, she is free to do something about it.
“There is so much I didn’t get to do,” she says. “Now I’m absolutely in my prime and I’m not going to waste it.”
But John is at a loss as to what has happened to the Maria he thought he knew.
With improvised dialogue and an excellent cast, it’s a truly gripping exploration of the cracks that can show in lifelong relationships.