The Durrells

Synopsis

“The Durrells” is a light-hearted, charming period drama based on Gerald Durrell’s autobiographical book series, “The Corfu Trilogy.” Set in the 1930s, the show traces the adventures and misadventures of the British Durrell family after they leave behind a grey England and start a new life on the sun-drenched Greek island of Corfu.

Main Characters

  • Louisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes): The widowed matriarch of the Durrell clan. Headstrong and determined, she decides to make the big move to Corfu to seek a fresh start for her family.
  • Larry Durrell (Josh O’Connor): The eldest of the siblings, an aspiring writer who is often self-absorbed but has a witty charm.
  • Leslie Durrell (Callum Woodhouse): The gun-loving middle brother, often getting into tricky situations but has a heart of gold.
  • Margo Durrell (Daisy Waterstone): The only daughter, she’s a teenager navigating love, life, and self-discovery on the island.
  • Gerry Durrell (Milo Parker): The youngest sibling, Gerald is passionate about animals and dreams of starting his zoo.

Themes

“The Durrells” beautifully encapsulates the spirit of family, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. Themes of adaptation, culture clashes, the bonds of family despite the odds, and finding joy in the simplest of moments are evident throughout the series. The picturesque backdrop of Corfu and its laid-back life is contrasted with the chaos the Durrells often find themselves in, further underlining the theme of finding harmony amidst chaos.

Critical Consensus and Rating

“The Durrells” has been received favorably with a solid 4 out of 5 rating. Critics have lauded the series for its charismatic performances, especially Keeley Hawes, the stunning portrayal of Corfu, and its delightful blend of humor and heart. Some, however, felt the series could occasionally tread into overly whimsical territory.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating

The series carries a TV-PG rating, meaning it’s generally suited for a younger audience but might contain some material that parents may find unsuitable for their younger children.

Network and Years

“The Durrells” originally aired on ITV in the UK from 2016 to 2019.

Recommendations

If “The Durrells” brought a smile to your face, consider diving into:

  1. Call the Midwife
  2. Poldark
  3. Father Brown
  4. “Mum”
  5. “Lark Rise to Candleford”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *