Channel 4’s Falling, written by Jack Thorne, centers on an unlikely romance between Anna, a nun who has spent 20 years in a convent, and Father David, a young priest working in a deprived area of Bristol. The drama explores themes of faith, guilt, celibacy and emotional longing, but the relationship between the two leads is portrayed as uneven and often unconvincing.
Keeley Hawes plays Anna, whose sheltered life under Abbess Francesca, played by Niamh Cusack, is disrupted after a small act of kindness from David. Paapa Essiedu plays David, a socially engaged priest trying to support his parishioners while confronting pressure from Church authorities, including Bishop Peter, played by Jason Watkins. The story quickly moves from Anna’s convent life into the secular world, where she adapts through practical changes such as cutting her hair and dressing more casually, though the shift is presented as narratively abrupt.
The review says the dialogue and behavior of the characters often feel inauthentic, especially in the central romance. Anna is described as inconsistent, with her innocence sometimes bordering on infantilism rather than emotional depth. David, meanwhile, is shown as emotionally guarded for much of the series, with his personal grief and backstory revealed gradually. Their first meaningful physical contact, followed by Anna’s sudden confession of love, is presented as rushed and hard to believe.
The drama also sets up a conflict between David and Bishop Peter, who prefers to direct church funds toward practical concerns like heating rather than outreach efforts such as food banks or needle exchanges. While this offers some tension, the review suggests these ecclesiastical debates do not receive enough depth to fully support the story.
The strongest parts of Falling are said to come from its side plots and supporting relationships. David’s work with a troubled teenager, his handling of a painful final rite for an unkind mother, and especially his close, complicated bond with his sister Susan, played by Sophie Stone, are described as more effective and emotionally grounded. These scenes give writer Jack Thorne a chance to return to the socially alert storytelling that has marked his earlier work.
Overall, the review concludes that Falling struggles to create genuine yearning or romantic tension despite the talent of its cast. The central love story is viewed as forced and emotionally unconvincing, while the series’ handling of vows, faith and desire is seen as underdeveloped. Still, the review notes that Thorne has delivered stronger work before and is likely to do so again. Falling is currently streaming on Channel 4.
