It's a Sin ★★★★★

Russell T. Davies | Peter Hoar

Starring Olly Alexander, Lydia West, Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, Neil Patrick Harris

Set in the 1980's, episode one introduces us to a soon to be group of friends and a dreaded "mystery illness."

Without being too forward or overly informative, we begin to learn about the characters individually and how they begin to start their own journeys after facing struggles at home. The third episode was truly heartbreaking and shared a first hand experience of how patients with suspected AIDS were treated, not only for their sexuality but for the lack of knowledge and intention to explore the illness further.

With a chilling final episode, It's a Sin was a tale of friendship, love, loss and betrayal which was played expertly by the whole cast.

The 80's music was perfectly chosen both in scenes and during the end credits of each episode. Even the editing of the sounds was timed to add depth to key moments of the story. The 80's setting wasn't forced at any point, it was presented naturally to help build the story with a sense of nostalgia.

The editing between scenes was modern, creative and different throughout with the occasional storytelling montage or quick scene change. There was a lot of clever editing but not too much that it ruined the flow of the narrative or stopped any character development. If anything, it made it easier to fall in love with the core group.

You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be left feeling hopeless, wishing you could go back in time and help. Truly moving and thought provoking.

It's a Sin available now on Channel 4