As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen and its various offerings, I can confidently say that “Joan” is a captivating addition to the ever-growing list of must-watch series. The intriguing tale of the notorious jewel thief, Joan Hannington, played masterfully by the exceptional Sophie Turner, has left me utterly spellbound.
If you betray me, I’ll make you pay for it,” growls Joan Hannington in the latest BritBox miniseries titled “Joan.” In this gripping series, she is warning her new accomplice, both in crime and in terms of their partnership. Although she has numerous moves to make before assuming the title of the criminal underworld’s “Godmother” — her destiny yet to unfold — her cold-blooded comment sends a shiver down the viewers’ spines. Indeed, it seems that the traces left by her fangs will play an intriguing role in the series, offering something enticing for audiences to anticipate and appreciate the brilliant performance of the captivating Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones), who once again delivers a stellar portrayal in a character that appears tailor-made for her exceptional acting abilities.
This captivating British miniseries, broadcast on ITV, BritBox, and The CW, is an adaptation of Joan Hannington’s 2002 autobiography “I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief.” Set in the rigidly stratified society of 1980s London, where economic and social divisions were more pronounced than they are today, the series has been masterfully crafted by writer Anna Symon (known for “The Essex Serpent”) and director Richard Laxton (known for “Rain Dogs”). The drama offers a compelling narrative filled with intrigue, superb acting, and suspense. However, there are certain elements that may hinder its overall appeal.
As a movie critic, I found myself drawn into “Joan,” yet I couldn’t help but feel that the narrative was overly centered around its protagonist, me, making the overall experience somewhat limited in its storytelling scope. Perhaps this is intentional, given the title, but it does pale in comparison to other dramas that give more depth to their supporting characters. However, led by the captivating performance of Sophie Turner, I found myself glued to the screen, unable to look away.
Joan Has a Great Premise That’s Sharply Executed
How did a common woman end up as one of the UK’s infamous jewel thieves? The intrigue lies in discovering her past, as seen in the series ‘Joan‘. Initially, she appears rather soft-spoken. However, the narrative takes us back to her simple origins. Haunted by past traumas and filled with fear, she is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly. Her life starts to unravel due to her turbulent marriage to a violent criminal, Gary.
The series swiftly removes Gary (Nick Blood) from the scene, leaving behind a few injuries, figuratively speaking. This departure opens up fresh opportunities for Joan, who grows resolute on removing the intermediary and building her own wealth in her preferred manner, with the ultimate goal of providing better care for Kelly. A brief stint at a local jewelry store serves as a significant turning point – why conceal diamonds when one can ingest them? – and soon enough, Joan embarks on adopting new personas and making a name for herself in the criminal underworld. She receives assistance in this endeavor.
The swiftly paced miniseries harmoniously features Sophie Turner and Frank Dillane (from Fear the Walking Dead). Frank Dillane plays Boisie, an intelligent antiques dealer with a mysterious air, who could potentially mentor Joan. However, he’s also elusive and unpredictable. Other characters come and go within the narrative, including Joan’s sister Nancy (Kirsty J. Curtis), Bernard (Alex Blake) who seems shady, and Albie (Gershwyn Eustache Jr.), Boisie’s ominous friend. These characters contribute to the central storyline, which revolves around the unusual ascension of Joan as a significant criminal figure.
A Standout Role for Sophie Turner
Without a doubt, Sophie Turner gives a powerful and impressive performance as Joan in this production. This talented actress, who was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2019 (for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series on Game of Thrones), demonstrates her ability to carry her own show. She keeps you captivated throughout the story (and we can’t help but wish for more episodes to see her shine even further).
Joan, the cunning jewel thief, is shrewd, intelligent, and charismatic. She seamlessly adapts to new accents and personas. On the other hand, Joan, the mother, is a different individual entirely. She’s strong and optimistic, always striving for better opportunities for her daughter. The portrayal of these two Joans by Turner is simply brilliant. The script masterfully combines unexpected plot turns and challenges without prolonging them unnecessarily. There’s a delightful lightness to this story, as the creator aims to keep us engaged yet brief in Joan’s ‘episodes’.
What also works in this series’ favor is the delicious soundtrack — so very ’80s. There’s “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters, and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” to note but a handful. The songs and the editing drive the plot, making for a spirited affair all around. Its narrow focus aside, Joan has all the makings for a binge-worthy hit. The premise is intriguing, the real-life subject is compelling, and the headliner, Sophie Turner, is downright sublime. This thief will steal your heart. Joan streams on BritBox and premieres on The CW October 2. You can watch it then through the link below:
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2024-10-02 05:31