BBC drama Best Interests, now streaming on Netflix, is touching audiences with its powerful and emotional storytelling. Written by Jack Thorne, known for Adolescence, this four-episode series first aired on BBC One in 2023 and has since gained widespread acclaim.
Set primarily in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Best Interests follows the story of parents Andrew (Michael Sheen) and Nicci (Sharon Horgan). Their younger daughter, Marnie, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy after suffering a severe cardiac arrest as an infant. Medical professionals informed the family early on that Marnie’s condition was untreatable and expected to worsen, with a grim prognosis predicting her life would not be a full one.
Now 13, Marnie has sustained brain damage and relies entirely on a ventilator to survive. Her physician, Samantha (Noma Dumezweni), believes it is in Marnie’s “best interest” to withdraw life support. While Nicci fiercely opposes this, taking legal action to challenge the hospital’s decision, Andrew aligns with the medical advice and does not support his wife in the court battle.
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The drama reaches its heartbreaking conclusion in the fourth episode, where the court sides with the hospital. Nicci is devastated but eventually finds a way to accept the ruling and reconcile with Andrew. Together, they visit the hospital to say goodbye as Marnie is taken off the ventilator. Nicci tells Andrew, “I don’t know where we’re going, but we’re going together.”
The series ends with the family reflecting on Marnie’s life and the happiness they shared, highlighted by a touching flashback of a family picnic when Marnie was a baby.
Fans have praised Best Interests for its emotional depth and outstanding performances. One viewer called it “terrific, powerful drama” and said, “This is the BBC at its best.” Others warned viewers to prepare for a tearful experience, describing it as “heartbreaking” and “highly recommended” for its excellent writing, directing, and editing.
Best Interests is now available to watch on Netflix.