The BBC has released all four episodes of its critically acclaimed drama Prisoner 951, which tells the harrowing true story of British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's imprisonment in Iran.
The series, which landed on BBC iPlayer last week, has been praised as a powerful and intense watch that deftly handles the complex diplomatic battle that unfolded between 2016 and 2022.
A Story of Two Perspectives
Prisoner 951 is adapted by Stephen Butchard from the upcoming novel A Yard of Sky, written by Nazanin and her husband Richard Ratcliffe about their family's ordeal.
The dramatisation splits its narrative between two perspectives. We follow Nazanin, portrayed by Narges Rashidi, as she endures years of psychological torture and confinement while maintaining her innocence against accusations of plotting to overthrow the Iranian regime.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Joseph Fiennes plays Richard Ratcliffe as he battles a distracted, post-Brexit nation to secure his wife's release, eventually resorting to extreme measures including a hunger strike.
The series powerfully depicts how Nazanin was brutally torn from her baby daughter's side, missing crucial years of her childhood during the six-year ordeal that finally ended with her reunification in 2022.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Response
Critics have unanimously praised the drama for its human-centred approach to this complex story. The Guardian awarded it four stars, describing it as less a thriller and more a meditation on powerlessness.
The review added: While this drama is powered by anger, it's probably best understood as a defiant love story.
Radio Times echoed the praise, highlighting Narges Rashidi's transformative performance which never breaks the immersion of the viewer.
The publication noted: This is a story about resilience, about love, about justice and injustice, but predominantly, it's the story about Nazanin and Richard, two unremarkable people who were forced to become remarkable through horrific circumstance.
Viewers on social media have described the series as almost too unbearable to watch but quite brilliantly written, with many calling it one of the most powerful, intense real-life dramas they've seen.
What Viewers Are Saying
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with X user JoelIvoryHarte commenting on the superb writing and performances.
Tommie Collin shared that he considered it up there with one of the best programmes ever, while Jilly Will warned that whole boxes of tissues will be needed.
Linda Garbutt described it as a very moving mini-drama with a fantastic cast, and both Karen and Dana Haqjoo agreed it was an absolute must-see and not one to miss.
Prisoner 951 is now available to stream in its entirety on BBC iPlayer, offering viewers the opportunity to experience this important story of love, resilience and justice.
