Lesley Manville’s “extraordinary” British drama is a must-see on TV tonight

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A British drama described as “heartrending” is set to air on BBC Two and iPlayer tonight.

I checked out *Ordinary Love* a while back – it came out in 2019 and it’s got Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville in it, which is awesome. Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn directed it, and it’s a really solid film.

The film centers on Joan (Manville) and Tom (Neeson), a married couple whose long, happy life together is turned upside down when Joan receives a breast cancer diagnosis.

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Starting treatment led the couple to seriously consider their future together and discuss the possibility of Joan’s health worsening.

Critics loved the film, calling it “extraordinary.” You can watch it tonight at 11pm on BBC Two, and it will also be available on iPlayer after it airs.

The film *Ordinary Love* has received a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praise the movie, particularly the powerful performances by Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson, noting it delivers a deeply moving story about a couple facing medical challenges.

In a review, *Time Out* described the film as subtle and heartwarming, noting that while it doesn’t have a fast-paced plot, it has a way of quietly captivating viewers.

According to *Newsday*, the film is a captivating and well-performed drama that offers a sense of release and optimism despite dealing with a difficult personal experience.

Metro called it “extraordinary”, while the Washington Post said it was a “lovely, understated thing”.

According to the Arizona Republic, Ordinary Love isn’t just about cancer; it’s a realistic portrayal of the challenges many couples face when pushed to their emotional, physical, and romantic boundaries.

Critics widely praised Manville’s acting, with RogerEbert.com noting that she portrayed a wide range of emotions with precision, courage, and remarkable authenticity.

Besides *Ordinary Love*, a number of other well-regarded films starring Lesley Manville are currently available to stream in the UK.

I just finished watching *Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris*, and it’s lovely! The actor plays a widow who works so hard to get a Dior gown, and I can already watch it whenever I want – it’s available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Rakuten TV.

In the movie *Phantom Thread*, Lesley Manville plays a waitress who inspires and becomes romantically involved with a famous designer, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. You can stream it on Prime Video now.

Finally, *Vera Drake* stars Imelda Staunton as the title character, a woman whose quiet life is disrupted by a hidden secret. You can currently watch it on Studiocanal Presents through Prime Video.

Ordinary Love airs at 11pm on BBC Two and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

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2025-10-16 12:49