Writer Jack Thorne (Skins, This is England 86') creates Glue, a teen drama set in a remote village in the English countryside. When the body of Cal Bray (Tommy Knight) is found face down in the mud, the investigation into his death forces his friends, and this quiet village, to confront their own demons and dark secrets; secrets that will change the face of this small community forever.
From the outset of the series it is clear that Glue is more than a simple whodunnit; with diverse and complicated characters forced upon the viewer due to the almost claustrophobic nature of the intertwining relationships in this remote community. Jack Thorne manages to create a bizzare situation whereby you feel that everyone involved are the closest of friends only for lies and secrets to throw all of it up in the air. This brilliant aspect of the writing means that Thorne has created a drama that has the potential to continuously keep the audience guessing and be fixed firmly to the edge of their seat.
Although the cast is young, they are certainly talented. Jordan Stephens, of Rizzle Kicks fame, gives an extremely enjoyable performance as the care-free, slightly sociopathic Rob, who cares more for having a good time than trying to come to terms with the backlash of the murder investigation. However, the stand-out performance for me is Billy Howle. Howle plays James Warwick quite brilliantly; you can feel the tension in the relationship with his mother, you can see how he feels trapped in his life and that he wants nothing more than to get away. Howle, along with Thorne's script, manages to translate James' journey throughout the series superbly.
I am trying to discuss Glue with no spoilers at all because I found the whole series to be a rollercoaster that I couldn't stop myself from talking about; from trying to piece together the clues left in each episode, only to find out I was completly wrong. But, I'm afraid, there is very little I can discuss without giving something away, therfore, I will leave you with this - as Telegraph writer Jonathan McAloon puts it, Glue is "a triumph of style and content" and I believe it should not be missed.
Catch up now on 4oD!
J.Henderson.
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