Movies

The Narrow Road to the Deep North: 100% Critics’ Score War Epic

BBG News

Exploring World War II through art remains captivating and diverse even after so many years, and now Prime Video’s new series, titled “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” joins this esteemed list. This five-part miniseries, set for release on April 18th, is an adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s 2014 Man Booker Prize-winning novel by the same name. Directed by Justin Kurzel, who recently achieved success with “The Order” and was a sensation at the 2025 Berlinale, this show has already garnered critical acclaim, boasting a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Given its impressive critical reception and other positive indicators, it seems that viewers will also embrace this series wholeheartedly.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North narrates the story of Dorrigo Evans, played by Jacob Elordi in the series and Ciarán Hinds as an older Dorrigo. The narrative primarily unfolds during World War II, focusing on Dorrigo’s captivity as a prisoner of war and his construction work on the Burma railway. However, it also delves into the “present day,” 1989. Although it may remind you of The Bridge on the River Kwai due to the similarities in setting, this series offers a more realistic, raw, and unforgiving portrayal of the harsh conditions faced by the prisoners. As MovieWeb’s Greg Archer notes in his review, it is significantly grittier and brutal compared to its counterpart.

This story about war is powerfully narrated and, contrary to some loud and aggressive tales, it’s its quiet impact that truly resonates. It unfolds gradually, so viewers who crave immediate satisfaction may need to be patient. Nonetheless, it’s a thought-provoking piece that deserves recognition… Among the recent television war stories, The Narrow Road to the Deep North stands out as one of the most compelling. The entire cast delivers exceptional performances, contributing to a convincing character exploration of a man burdened by guilt over his decisions.

Critics Are Praising ‘The Narrow Road to the Deep North’

MovieWeb’s Greg Archer isn’t alone in his praise for the latest Prime Video series. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian describes it as a “grand, daring, sensual epic set during wartime that grapples with anguish and personal reflection,” further commending director Justin Kurzel for his assured handling of the material and eliciting intense, dedicated performances from Elordi, Hinds, and Young. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter also voices his appreciation for the series.

Justin Kurzel continues to impress with his latest venture into television, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Although violence is a recurring theme in his films, the stark contrast between the brutality portrayed and the emotional depth of the human condition has never been more poignant, particularly in this adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s 2014 Booker Prize-winning novel. Jacob Elordi delivers a powerful lead performance that adds a unique soulfulness to Kurzel’s body of work.

As I watched the first two episodes of this captivating series at the Berlin International Film Festival, I couldn’t help but feel that its latter half promises an even more powerful impact. It would require Herculean endurance to consume it all in one go; instead, it seems best to savor it between deep breaths. Hinds is already a formidable presence in the show, yet I eagerly anticipate the trials that will truly test Elordi’s abilities. His subtle, restrained performance brims with potential, but it needs to erupt and shatter to provide the story with its emotional core. If he manages to lead us there, this series will be impossible to ignore.

Make sure not to overlook “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”. Once it’s accessible on Amazon Prime Video from April 18, 2025, you can catch it using the provided link.

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2025-04-17 23:05

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