Rent Summer of Rockets (2019)

Very watchable - Summer of Rockets review by SB

This drama by Stephen Poliakoff about British/English identity, spying/end-of-empire etc is very handsomely made, set in the late 50s in a time of anxiety about nuclear bombs, and using gorgeous locations and colour palette. The story revolves around an emigre White Russian Jewish family, trying to improve their place in 'society' and not always sure what that place could reasonably be. Toby Stephens plays an inventor whose connections and invention bring him to the attention of the security services, who set about using him and his family.

There is a rich assortment of minor characters, some more mad than others. By and large the cast perform well, especially Lily Sacofsky as the daughter and Keeley Hawes as the perfect wife for an imperfect MP. If there are criticisms to be made, one is that Poliakoff lays his points about discrmination and prejudice on with a trowel, often revealing his own uncertain understanding of English culture in the process. Another is that the sub-plot concerning the lost son of the MP is not well integrated into the main plotline. But this is still a series well worth watching over its 6+ hours.