Patrick Melrose Online

The Melrose books are five of the finest of modern times. Short, sharp and endlessly enriching. For the TV adaptation to be so perfectly in synch with the tone and mood and truth of the books is beyond impressive. All components combine to form a complete and entrancing whole. Superb direction by Edward Berger - that long tracking party shot in Ep 3 is of immense skill ans beauty - hits the subtly different style and heart and tone of each separate book, with the look of a Holbein painting and the unflinching eye of a Hockney. The result is exquisite and simply takes the breath away. Design and period detail is mesmerising, even down to the Prozac label written on a daisywheel printer. Casting is sheer perfection. Mix the wonderful Pip Torrens with Indira Varma, Holliday Grainger Harriet Walter, Amanda Root and the cream of a British and American supporting cast, and a sensitive child actor in Sebastian Matz,with a chilling Hugo Weaving and a fabulous Jennifer Jason Leigh and any other show would be sublime in itself. Add Benedict Cumberbatch as the eponymous Patrick Melrose and the whole series transcends into something far beyond sublime. We are now used to seeing the actor of his generation taking complex and unique characters and making them deep and humane, but this takes performance to a different level and standard. This is acting by inhabiting a role. This is acting at a dangerous level of self and self exposure far beyond mere performance; This is an acting consciously laying the soul on the line....and revealing that there is still more inside the heart of Benedict Cumberbatch to be revealed.. High intelligence,mordant wit, self knowledge and loathing, turning on a sixpence, great timing and awareness; not tricks, no weaknesses.. Whenever I watch a new Cumberbatch performance I marvel at his range and detail, physical and mental control, depth of understanding and even his eye placement. And this is what you get when heart, intellect and sheer technical skill combine with such fluent artistry. Something wondrous and joyous and with an indication that the tank is nowhere near empty, even when exposing his own soul like this. How sad that there are people on here who are scoring this amazing series as a 1 and proud of their myopia. As the man said:' when someone puts you down, it is because they have a need to feel taller.'.

I have just watched the first 2 episodes and felt the need to comment. I understand the complaints about the first episode, especially in regards to the self indulgent trip of substance and alcohol abuse. I'll be honest, it bored me, it became tedious and I almost gave up. Episode 2, however, is a different ball game. This goes on to explain his troubled childhood and puts the first episode into perspective. If you found the first episode difficult to watch, please stick with it, I have a feeling it will be worth it.

I've never read the books prior to seeing this piece of work. The idea of a person from such a well off background suffering seems almost alien, almost contemptible. Who, as someone so fortunate can make themselves feel so small when those who have so little can be happy. It is this very dilemma which made me want to dislike the show. And yet, I found this episode, and hopefully the rest extremely touching. If you've ever had trouble with drugs or self-loathing you cannot help but feel the humanity and truth in the work. This work transcends class, the part where Melrose looks content after shooting up, staring aimlessly into the world is so understandable and relatable you can't help but feel compassion and emotion. If you've ever been high or on drugs and looked out to the world while sitting in your bed while content, you'll understand what it is like to be Melrose, that feeling is forever it seems. Yet, when you wake up, the fleeting happiness you felt dispels and you feel the sad self loathing of existence;the tomorrow.

Cumberbatch performs incredibly in capturing the second-guessing inner monologue of someone overwhelmed with emotions. His charisma and ability to act vividly using facial ques and ticks makes this work what it is, yes, the writing is fantastic, but the life Cumberbatch brings to those words is what makes it unique.

I finished the novels only a few weeks before watching the first episode and my rating thus far is only based on the first episode. The genius of the novels is turning such ugliness into something beautiful. The bookend decision to start the first episode with the second novel was a smart one from the overall story standpoint as well as thematically. However, the downside, is that the second novel/ first Espinosa is probably the toughest watch/ read as it is Patrick at his worst. Having said that, in a mannner true to the source material, the show creators have managed to take license where necessary in order to stay true to the character as well as the themes. The "plot" is not relevant. It's takes a long term view to realize that. If you had to pick the worst day of your life and watch it, that would not be pleasant either. But the genius of the source material as well as the first episode is that we can relate to Patrick- warts-and-all. Self loathing is relatable to manner, no matter how extreme. This is the first chapter in the story of a man deciding to stop reacting to life and start responding. If you can see past the "ugly" you will find the beauty. Much like in life. I look forward to seeing the upcoming episodes and watching the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch play the role that I can no longer see anyone else in.

Outstanding performances by all of the actors, especially the leads. It brings the books to life, which seemed to be an impossible task. The design, directing, sound/music all enhance a wonderful production.

Though the main character is rich and privileged, the stories and underlying themes apply to many who have suffered abuse of any kind. The narrative shows the hard work involved in becoming the person you were meant to be.

Kudos to all involved in this magnificent production.

SPOILER: I just watched "Infinity War" in the theater and I adored Mr. Cumberbatch's performance, as usual he's elegant, neat and handsome, I saw "Melrose"'s poster while surfing the internet, I dug deep, then watched the stunning first episode, shocked when I knew it's all based on a true story!

I know how a child's molestation can ruin his life, everything happens to us in childhood leaves scars, and Patrick was molested, abused by a cruel father who's played my Mr. Hugo waiving "Perfect Casting" FTW!

I'm expecting so much from this series, love how it's condensed in 5 1-hour long episodes, unlike the other verrry long very boring series! watching the first series, seeing the colors, chroma and the cinematic direction worthes 10 full stars, it's very hard to any actor to do a role like "Patrick" specially when your most of your lines are a "Monologue", acting all by your self, representing the addict's suffer, the addict is not a happy person, not a high person all the time, he's just a person in constant severe pain like "Patrick".

willing to see the next episodes and Hail Mr. Cumberbatch!

I can't remember the last time I saw a series this good. It is brilliantly made. Amazing acting. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. Cumberbatch gives an outstanding performance.

Benedict Cumberbatch gets to show all his chops in this brilliantly written, directed and shot tour de force.

We all knew he could act, but here he gets to pull out all the stops. He is entirely believable as an upper class, abused and abandoned boy who turns his life and his will over to Heroin as his only source of succor.

The writing is sublime, you don't want to miss a moment of the razor sharp dialogue or of the inner monologues of Patrick.

The portrayal of a junkie at the peak of his chaos is completely and utterly believable. As one who suffered a childhood under a martinet father and is somewhat acquainted with the self medicating regimes that Patrick practices, I can testify to that.

I urge all viewers with an adult sensibility to watch this bizarrely charming, compassionate, tragic and comedic miniseries...

Just stunning. I hope the story holds up, yet the skills of Mister Cumberbatch are worth the while all alone. I'm pretty old now (in fact, almost, to the month, exactely as old as Mr. C.), but there it is. A performance that still amazes me. Thanks.

I have never seen trauma and addiction captured so perfectly and horribly real.

Joaquin Phoenix in Lynne Ramsay's "You Were Never Really Here" is at this level but this is much more specific, so watching Cumberbatch in this role, with so many minutely expressed reactions/feelings is astounding. As with Phoenix, you don't feel like you are watching an actor, but Cumberbatch is so amazing that you can't help that part of your brain keeps noting the performance.

Incredible script, directing and sound.

Some ridiculous reviews here, complaining about 'melodrama' and comparing it to Real Housewives lol.

This is the most accurate and nuanced portrayal of PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction I've ever seen.

Don't watch if you disapprove of 'melodrama' tho. Of course a series about such topics should be rational and calm!

Favorite line from episode 1: "What's the the point of a f*cking window when you can't jump out of it?" Patrick Melrose is awesome. You won't be able to take your eyes off the screen. I only wish that I could binge-watch the entire series, but tonight is only episode 1. This show is a triumph. One more thing: This is only my first time seeing Cumberbatch in anything. I'm now obsessed with him.

I am as far from drugs, alcohol and child abuse as water from fire. But Benedict is so incredibly good at acting complex emotions that I could not tear myself from the screen. If you are able to appreciate genious acting, then this is your show. The story itself is not to everyone's taste. It is only alive because of Camberbatch.

First of, Chumberlain is so great that watching it just to see him is worth your time. Also I just can't see how the show isn't relatable at all, I mean sure it isn't relatable to everyone but you can't say that it isn't relatable at all. Because the charecter clearly has a drug problem that pretty much ruins his relationship to the people around him which probably every drug addict can relate to in some way. The seriers also show the root of his drug addiction and lifestyle which alot of people also can relate to. The charecter is supressing his pain from his childhood and abusive father.

Also the show has some amasing tension and charecter build up. The scene from the second episode when the house lady is carrying a plate of porslin and is questioned by David is a wonderfully directed scene.

All in all a show that is well worth both seeing and analysing.

When I first found out what this series was about I said no, no no no no, I will not watch THAT. But a friend who prewatched it for me assured me it wasn't at all explicit, and though only a sadist on the level of poor Patrick Melrose's ogrish dad would watch this series for fun, it does tell a difficult story very well. Of course it's a great showcase for Cumberbatch, but everybody's good in this, especially Hugo Weaving as the psychopathic father. Even the usually grotesque Jennifer Jason Leigh manages to act like a real human being for once.

This is an era when people who've experienced the unspeakable are speaking out, and this series, based on the autobiographical writings of a man who was sexually and psychologically abused by his parents, is a well-timed addition to the ongoing conversation we're having about the damage done by sexual predators and the useful idiots who help them get away with it.

Directed by Edward Berger, and written for the screen by David Nicholls, this five-part miniseries is based on the semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose novels by Edward St. Aubyn. Published between 1992 and 2011, the five novels were essentially part of St Aubyn's rehabilitation, as he battled a crippling series of addictions stemming from sexual abuse at the hands of his father when he was a child. In a part he had wanted for many years, Patrick is played by Benedict Cumberbatch; during an AMA on Reddit in 2013, Cumberbatch (who is also credited as one of seven executive producers) was asked what roles he would most like to play, to which he answered Patrick Melrose and Hamlet, both of which he has since performed. And although I wasn't overly impressed with his Hamlet in Lindsey Turner's 2015 Barbican Theatre production, his Patrick Melrose is absolutely superb. The series has its flaws, but his fearless portrayal of the various stages of addiction and recovery is good enough to paper over (most of) the cracks. In fact, it's almost too good in places. But more on that later.

The show wastes no time in establishing straight out of the gate how severe Patrick's addictions are. In the opening scene of the first episode, he answers a telephone, to learn that his father (a terrifying Hugo Weaving) has died. However, it's immediately apparent that something isn't right with the scene, with Patrick looking and talking as if he is slightly out of sync with everything else. Struggling to keep himself upright, he sways, droops, seems about to fall asleep, all the while holding the receiver in his hand. Then he bends over. Is he consumed with grief? No, he's just spotted a syringe on the ground, and he wants to shoot up. Upon hanging up the phone, he then stares at the syringe, and his eyes come into focus for the first time. It's a stark introduction to the character, immediately establishing where his priorities lie at this point in his life and indicating the hold drugs have on him.

Indeed, the first episode, "Bad News (2018)", spends considerably more time depicting Patrick's New York bender than the actual reason he travelled to the US in the first place; to collect his father's body. However, this is not to suggest that the show depicts drug addiction as no big deal; although it does initially present his drug-addled behaviour as (relatively) funny (the scene where the Quaaludes kick in is especially hilarious), as the narrative settles into a darker vibe, most of the comedy is scaled back. Indeed, this well-balanced duality carries across all five episodes. Patrick knows the damage drugs are doing to him, yet he never loses his sense of caustic sarcasm about who he is. On the other hand, the show never strays into outright comedy at the expense of narrative believability - no matter how funny an individual moment may be, the totality, we are never allowed to forget, is rather bleak. Patrick is a fun character, articulate, intelligent, self-aware, but he is also a mess, and both his acerbic wit and his chemical dependency are at their height in this first episode. With that in mind, it is both the funniest and the darkest of the five; both a genuinely humorous physical comedy about the foibles of drug addiction and a horrifying descent into drug-induced psychosis and paranoia.

Within this episode, an unusual stylistic device is used to draw us into Patrick's interiority. As he's getting higher and higher, he begins to employ more and more voices, carrying on a dialogue between them, but not in the sense that he speaks aloud in one voice and then answers aloud in another. Instead, the show uses voice-over, with some of the conversation delivered as standard dialogue, spoken out loud by Cumberbatch, and the rest coming from within Patrick's head, so that only the audience and Patrick himself can hear it. This sense of subjectivity is enhanced even further via a plethora of visual techniques. For example, he sees himself appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) on a TV he himself is watching, unnatural lighting changes correspond to his mood, and glitches in the actual picture of the show itself happen in sync with his psychotic breaks. Most of these techniques are confined to the first episode, but the most prevalent is a technique that's used many times across the five - the bleeding of the past into the present. So, for example, Patrick remembering David shouting at him in the past will jerk awake in the present, a room in the present will remind him of a room in the past, and suddenly he'll be there, a lizard walking on the wall when he was first raped by David is a recurring motif throughout the show, he opens a door in 1982, and we suddenly cut to him standing in an open doorway in 1967.

When it's not working to try to convey Patrick's subjectivity, the show deals with a number of themes; the ridiculousness of British royalty, the poisonous nature of the aristocracy, the corrupting power of wealth, the illogical importance of class, the unreality of the public school system, the cyclical nature of bad parenting, unfulfilled and/or thwarted ambition, depression, sexual abuse, and stoicism in the face of any ill (stiff-upper-lipped Britishness and all). However, perhaps the most salient theme is the idea that when you deeply hurt a child, when you do something to damage a child's very soul, the effects will continue to be felt by any who come into contact with that child for many years after the fact.

As is alluded to throughout the first episode, and as becomes painfully clear in the second, when he was a child, Patrick was completely at the mercy of an utter monster. After calling young Patrick to his room, ostensibly to tell him the story of King Shaka, but actually to rape him, David explains, speaking of Shaka's treatment of his soldiers, "what had felt like cruelty at the time was actually a gift. It was actually love. I don't expect you to thank me now, but I hope perhaps when you're older, you'll be grateful for the skill of detachment that I've instilled." Indeed, this scene is most chilling in what it doesn't show. When Patrick first comes to David's room, there is a shot of the perfectly-made bed on which David sits. After Patrick leaves the room, however, there is a shot of the bed in disarray. We never see what happens, because we don't need to. This is as well-directed a bit of cinematic shorthand as you're ever likely to see. Horrific in its simplicity.

Whilst the first episode may be the most formally inventive, this is not to say the others are aesthetically uninteresting. Each one is grounded in a different genre, adopting the appropriate tone for that genre, and featuring a vastly different colour palette from the others. "Bad News" is a yuppie version of Trainspotting (1996), a dark night of the soul awash in non-diegetic purples and greens, where the formal chaos mirrors the breakdown of Patrick's mind; "Never Mind (2018)" is a lurid, lazy summer retreat, similar in design to something like Call Me by Your Name (2017), with a preponderance of deep yellows and reds, except, of course, the sensuousness of the imagery is here employed ironically; "Some Hope (2018)" is an Upstairs, Downstairs (1971)/Gosford Park (2001)-style comedy of manners, examining the ludicrousness of the class system, limiting the palette to mainly binary colours such as white and black; "Mother's Milk (2018)" (the only episode set over the course of several days) is partly a fish-out-of-water story and partly a psychosexual intellectual drama, wherein Patrick finds that although the French villa has lost its most hated figure, it still has the power to disturb; and "At Last (2018)" is a cold postmodern tragedy full of angst and unlooked-for self-discovery, dominated by metallics, greys, and blues. What Berger manages to pull off across these five hours is to force this compendium of different styles, themes, and tones into something resembling a cohesive artistic statement.

Another important theme is a mockery of the aristocracy. This is seen most clearly in the third episode, and especially in the odious character of Princess Margaret. However, the theme is present throughout all five episodes in one shape or another. In "Never Mind", for example, the Melrose family and their circle of friends are shown to be humourless, vainglorious prigs. The show depicts a decadent, toxic, emotionally calcified, and morally bankrupt class of people belonging to another age, that has somehow lingered into modernity and is desperately holding on to its outdated traditions.

Of course, this also raises perhaps one of the most obvious objections to the show - "why should we care?" Well, in part, we shouldn't. Essentially, this is the story of a spoiled rich kid. It's the very definition of white male privilege, which isn't exactly a very sympathetic theme at the moment. And it never really manages to shake that identifying characteristic. But there is more to it than that. The narrative may not be especially interesting, focusing more on isolated anecdotal-type incidents rather than a classic cause-and-effect plot, but for the themes outlined above, for the humour, for what it says about the British peerage, and, especially, for Cumberbatch's performance, this is certainly worth checking out. True, so dominant is his work that on more than one occasion, it effectively turns into a one-man play, meaning if you're not a Cumberbatch fan, you definitely won't enjoy it. In that sense, he dominates proceedings too much. But despite the fact that we know Patrick is an obnoxious addict, there is enough humanity to ensure we remember the very real trauma beneath the bluster. And in that sense, it remains always compelling - brilliantly acted, and with a lot to say about a myriad of issues.

First of all, Benedict Cumberbatch deserves all the awards for this series, this year. Period.

You've never seen him like that before.

The series is so uniquely crafted which communicates the story in just 5 episodes without making you wander off anywhere else. Jennifer Jason Leigh has given one of her best performances ever. This series made me laugh, and at times even emotional. I don't think this has ever happened before in a series less than a single-digit number of episodes.

The fabulous performances of the cast and the unique style of direction makes it compelling to watch by putting you in the passenger's seat with Patrick(Benedict) on your side in the driver's seat. This is quality TV at it's best.

9 ???? / 10

Don't often review Television series but Patrick Melrose is a stand out - It Convinced me that Benedict Cumberbatch in my opinion is one of the finest actors on the planet.. His role of Patrick Melrose is his finest since his acclaimed dual roles as Victor Frankenstein and his monster in the National theatre 2011 production. Based on a novel by David Nicholls and directed by Edward Berger this series is at times confronting and very disturbing especially episode 1 in its portrayal of addiction and the family secrets and dysfunction. If you enjoyed August Osage County or the frailties and dark humour ofTennessee Williams and Edward Albee 's characters and style I'm sure you'll enjoy Patrick Melrose. All the cast are superb , especially Hugo Weaving as Patrick's sad angry and monster of a father and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Eleanor his alcoholic mother also great performances from Jessica Raine ( Call the Midwife) and Pip Torrens . I've ordered the DVD for my collection.

Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Patrick Melrose. I must confess that in the middle of the first episode I considered not watching anymore as it is a very distressing issue however I am glad I did. This series touches on many issues and speaking out against what is wrong and defending children at all costs is paramount.

Superbly scripted drama, definitely not an advert for drink or drug abuse, harrowing and at times painful to watch, yet surprisingly touching and hilarious in places. Benedict Cumberbatch absolutely acts his socks off, surely he is one of the finest actors of his generation. In the final episode he achieved something very rare indeed, I forgot I was watching Benedict Cumberbatch and that the events causing him such pain had not actually happened to the actor. A slight watering of the eyes occurred for thIs chap, such was the intensity of the performance I was watching. Glorious.

So I just watched the pilot last night. All I can say, wow. just, wow. This is Benedict Cumberbatch in a role I never thought I'd see him take on.

Why it surprises me I really can't say. He has proven time and time again that no matter the challenge, he is up for it. But this is such a different beast than I've seen before. There is an unbreakable magnetism to his character, I couldn't take my eyes off at any point. His arguments with the voices in his head, his movements depending on his mental state, the looks in his eyes as he goes through so many emotions. It's spellbinding.

As amazing as he is in the lead role, this isn't a one-man show. everyone involves delivers. The supporting cast is great. we don't get a terribly large amount of time with any of them, most of the screentime is dedicated to Patrick and his misadventures, but every actor did such great work opposite him, I can't wait to see more, especially form Jennifer Jason Leigh and Hugo Weaving.

The direction by Edward Berger combined with James Friend's photography is excellent. The shots are beautifully composed and add an amazing sense of isolation to Patrick. It's just stylish enough to catch your attention without being overly distracting.

The pacing is great. it moves along at a breakneck speed but never feels rushed. the writing by David Nicholls is spot on. The dialogue is quick and sharp, the structure of the narrative is quirky and fun without being jarring. The show gets crazy but never feels unbelievable.

Really I have basically nothing to complain about. If you simply don't like watching crappy rich people I'd say drop it, but if you want fantastic performances, great writing and direction, a (I almost forgot) killer soundtrack, and maybe enjoyed the wolf of wallstreet (not necessary, but worth noting), then I think you'll love this show. I can't wait for next week, it's got me hooked for sure. The only reason I wanted it to end was so I could run to tell everyone about it.

This series renders other series and cinema to child's play, when it comes to depicting the theme of addiction. Cumberbatch is intriguing as the main character. His performance makes it as if you almost have the physical experience, which is quite a feat. The same goes for the unmistakenable tone of irony, that rings through the whole series. Much credit has to go to director Edward Berger and the cinematography of James Friend.

Absolutely sublime! I have never seen Benedict Cumberbatch (besides in the Graham Norton show ;-) ) but he is addictive to watch. The rest of the cast is good too and the story is pure tragedy. I could cry because I only have 1,5 episodes left. It is now in my top 10 amongst Breaking Bad a.o. All that is left is read the novels I guess :-(

If Benedict does not win every award possible for this immense performance, it would be a travesty. I have always been a bit of a fan. His portrayal of Sherlock, Alan Turing and Khan in Star Trek, to name but a few, were all equally impressive, but this entry on his CV propels him up there with the greatest of all time in my books.

To be fair, the whole cocktail makes the drink. Patrick Melrose is a rare gem that ticks all the boxes. All the other actors where great, namely Hugo Weaving. The casting, production, visuals...all where impressive and that's what makes this so damn good.

If you strip away the phenomenal acting and the beautiful visual production, I can only imagine the first episode would have been a bleak and depressing affair to say the least. Instead, it is arguably (in my own head) the most gripping hour of television I have seen.

That level of intensity and perfection does naturally waver throughout the entire series but it does not dip by much and often regains the heights achieved in the first episode. Ironically, you may find yourself looking for that fix provided in the first episode throughout the others.

There are no negatives I can think of, which is probably why I have finally lost my reviewing virginity to such a gorgeous series that I truly loved.

I couldn't manage to read the books. I tried but the story about the boy Patrick, knowing it was based on reality, and being a mother of two boys myself was too much. But tv is another thing and I am very glad for this adaption. Episode one maybe being a bit over the top but after that it turned into one of the best family dramas I have seen. In many ways reminding me of Bridshead revisited.

Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing and so is all the other characters. I can't imagine what it took out of Hugo Weaving to play such a cruel role...

A must see and a future classic.

Based on the first episode only, this show is completely amazing. I went back and watched again to see if it was as good as my first impression and folks, this crazy character is amazingly, brilliantly portrayed. Cumberbatch eclipse. I'm gobsmacked. I hope these coming episodes are equal to the start, if so what a ride this. Impossible not to laugh, but OMG. Benedict, YOU ROCK!!!