The BBC has announced that it will be airing Families Like Ours, an ambitious new disaster drama series directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, renowned for Another Round. The series, which has already garnered rave reviews and stirred conversation in Denmark, offers a poignant portrayal of a future shaped by rising sea levels and the human cost of mass displacement.
Set in a not-too-distant Denmark, the story unfolds as the country faces a catastrophic reality: the urgent need for evacuation due to rising waters that have overwhelmed the nation. As the population disperses in every direction, individuals are forced to leave behind not only their homes but also their identities and what they once held dear.
The plot delves into the far-reaching consequences of this mass exodus. “Slowly but steadily, everything changes. All property becomes worthless, all fortunes shift, and luck favors only a few,” the synopsis explains. As the privileged seek refuge in affluent countries, those less fortunate rely on government relocation to harsher, less hospitable destinations. In the midst of this turmoil, families, friends, and loved ones are torn apart. While some succumb to hatred and division, others strive to maintain hope, nurturing love and new beginnings amidst crisis.
At the heart of the drama is Laura, a high school student on the verge of graduation and experiencing her first love. As news of the evacuation disrupts the lives of Laura and her family, she is faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma: choosing between the three people she holds most dear.
Families Like Ours was filmed on location across five countries, including Denmark, France, Sweden, Romania, and the Czech Republic. The series features a talented ensemble cast of renowned Danish actors, including David Dencik (Chernobyl), Magnus Millang (Another Round), Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Riders of Justice), Paprika Steen (Open Hearts), and Thomas Bo Larsen (Another Round).
Premiering to critical acclaim at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, the series has since become a cultural touchstone in Denmark, sparking widespread discussion about its portrayal of global crises and personal choices. Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, praised the series, stating, “Families Like Ours is a beautifully constructed, thought-provoking drama about what happens when people are confronted by the inconceivable and forced to make seemingly impossible choices.”
Critics have praised the series for its compelling and realistic narrative. Espinof described it as “a remarkable family drama that explores the collapse of privilege in the face of catastrophe.” Loud and Clear Reviews called it “a marvel of a series that brims with humanity,” noting its relevance to Europe’s understanding of the refugee crisis. MovieWeb highlighted the show’s focus on tension over spectacle, commenting, “It forgoes unrealistic disaster sequences, opting instead for tense verisimilitude.”
Families Like Ours comprises seven episodes, all directed by Vinterberg, and is set to air on BBC Four, with the release date yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the series is available for streaming in Ireland on the TG4 Player, where viewers can watch the full series for free.
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