The 2022 period drama on BBC iPlayer has fans praising it as 'undoubtedly the best' adaptation they've seen in years

Period drama enthusiasts are being encouraged to tune into a 2022 miniseries, available for free on BBC iPlayer. The series, which is among many outstanding period dramas on offer, follows the life of Ursula Todd, a woman living in the first half of the 20th century who "experiences an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth".

The audience learns how Ursula (portrayed by Thomasin McKenzie ) dies one night in 1910, only to be reborn and survive on the same night. She then repeatedly lives and dies under varying circumstances, each time being reborn into different roles.

She navigates through each life during a crucial historical period that spans two world wars. The series, titled Life After Life, was commissioned by the BBC back in 2020 and is a four-part adaptation of Kate Atkinson's novel.

The period drama, which begins during the Second World War, also features Sian Clifford as Sylvie Todd, James McArdle as Hugh Todd and Jessica Hynes as Mrs Glover. The Guardian described the war drama as "emotional", stating: "The show's main priority is apparent from the start: making people cry.

"If you like the feeling of being overwhelmed by vicarious trauma and grief then you're in for a treat. And the anguish is thoroughly addictive."

Viewers at home also took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts. Annbaldwin-55777 remarked: "Life After Life is undoubtedly the best adaptation/drama series I've seen on TV for a very long time. Superb acting by the entire cast and wonderful production values. Binge-watched the entire series on iPlayer and worth the licence fee alone just for a drama like this!"

Stephencardell praised: "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," they added, while Holliemarie-h dubbed it a "fantastic adaptation of a brilliant novel".

They went on to say: "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 adaptation of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie and 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."

Life After Life can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

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