The new domestic drama "Adultery," penned by Danny Brocklehurst, has quickly captured viewers with its intricate narrative centered on complex relationships and emotional turbulence. Following the first three episodes of the six-part series, the show delves into themes of forbidden attraction, moral ambiguity, and the challenges of family life.
The story revolves around Beth, portrayed by Romola Garai, a working mother navigating the demands of family and personal strain. The narrative opens on a typically hectic morning, highlighting the disconnect within Beth’s family—a husband, Neil (played by Matthew McNulty), and their two children—each caught up in their own worlds. The initial tension escalates when Beth, in a rushed attempt to drop off her son Olly’s football boots, accidentally knocks a man off his bicycle during a U-turn. The man, Tom (Dominic Cooper), is soon revealed to be the father of Olly's girlfriend, Jess, adding an immediate layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
Despite this awkward encounter, Beth and Tom’s paths continue to intersect, including an extended wait together in an emergency room, where their interaction hints at underlying vulnerabilities and emotional undercurrents. Beth’s storyline becomes further complicated when she is shown supporting her best friend Ali’s ex-partner, Dave (Andrew Knott), at a funeral home, confronting the sudden and unexpected death of Ali. These events deepen the emotional stakes as the characters grapple with grief and interpersonal strain.
The show’s narrative style mirrors the frenetic pace and emotional collision of contemporary media, with rapid shifts in tone and scene. One particular sequence contrasts a teenage couple on a roller coaster with the emotional highs and lows experienced by the adult characters, underscoring the series’ intense and sometimes overt approach to storytelling.
Supporting performances from Shelley Conn as Hannah—Tom’s anxious wife—add additional tension and nuance to the interpersonal dynamics at play. Critics note that while some plot developments may stretch credibility, the cast’s performances anchor the storyline, maintaining viewer engagement.
"Adultery" offers a blend of domestic realism and heightened drama, reflecting the messy, often contradictory nature of modern relationships. With three episodes remaining, the series holds potential to further explore its provocative themes and deliver a gripping portrayal of attraction, loyalty, and the consequences of choices made within the fragile construct of family life.