British thriller hailed a ‘knockout’ finally available on completely free streaming service
It stars Emily Watson as a married mum-of-two who embarks on an illicit affair.
A British psychological thriller that left viewers ‘screaming out loud’ is now available to binge.
Based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Louise Doughty, Apple Tree Yard stars Emily Watson as geneticist Yvonne Carmichael, who appears to have it all.
Despite her high-powered career and similarly successful husband, two kids and a nice house, she’s still unsatisfied.
But after meeting a handsome stranger played by Ben Chaplin, which includes a romp in the former broom cupboard in the House of Commons, it sets off a chain of dark twists and turns.
After tracking him down following their first sexual encounter, Yvonne and the man known as Mr X. start an affair complete with raunchy sex scenes, despite the fact he won’t tell her his true identity.
The series also includes a shocking rape scene, which Watson described as a ‘really hard day for everyone’ on set.
Apple Tree Yard starred Emily Watson as married mother Yvonne who embarks on an affair (Picture: BBC/ Kudos/ Nick Briggs)At the time the four-part series aired in 2017, critics and viewers praised the ‘knockout’ production’.
‘It is thrilling and simultaneously disturbing; among the most disturbing you will watch this year,’ The Globe and Mail wrote in its review.
‘It’s the dark undertones in this drama that make it worth watching,’ the Radio Times explained.
‘There is a strong message here that – contrary to what you might be led to believe from every other drama on television – female sexuality doesn’t suddenly end at 35, but can become more powerful and more profound,’ The Guardian added.
Some of the saucier scenes include a romp in the House of Commons (Picture: BBC/ Kudos/ Nick Briggs)To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Previous Page Next PageMeanwhile viewers called it ‘powerful’ and ‘gripping’ while others had been left ‘on the edge of their seats’.
This week it was also released on ITVX, the only streaming service currently offering the show to watch for free.
When the show first aired, Watson said she had initially been uncertain about taking on the role.
‘When I originally got the script, I was very wary due to the nature of it. However, I was interested enough to meet Jess (Hobbs), the director, and I kind of fell in love with her,’ she told the BBC.
However things quickly take a sinister turn (Picture: BBC/ Kudos/ Nick Briggs)Speaking about her character, the actress said she hoped it sparked debates for those tuning in.
‘People feel very strongly about Yvonne, the things she does and the choices she makes. I know some people are going to really disapprove of her,’ she explained.
‘I think some women will be really invested in that relationship, showing an older woman going off and having an exciting affair. I hope it’s going to make people talk.
‘I think the moral ambiguity and how it’s not entirely clear-cut is true to life. I know a story is poorer for being morally black and white and I think it’s a grown-up story where everyone is imperfect, complicated and interesting because of that.’
Apple Tree Yard is streaming on ITVX.
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