Synopsis
Restless is a British drama miniseries based on the novel of the same name by William Boyd. The series follows Ruth Gilmartin (Michelle Dockery), a young woman who is stunned to learn that her mother, Eva Delectorskaya (Charlotte Rampling), has been living a double life. Eva’s real name is Sally Mandelbaum, and she was a spy for the British during World War II.
The series flits between two time periods: 1976, when Ruth learns the truth about her mother, and 1940-45 when Eva is working as a spy. We see Eva’s journey from an idealistic young woman to a hardened spy, and we also see the impact her work has on her relationships with her family and friends.
Cast and Director: The cast of Restless includes:
- Michelle Dockery as Ruth Gilmartin
- Charlotte Rampling as Eva Delectorskaya
- Hayley Atwell as Sally Mandelbaum
- Rufus Sewell as Guy Bennett
- Michael Gambon as Sir Marcus Fielding
Edward Hall directs the series.
Premiere Date: Restless premiered on Acorn TV on December 6, 2012.
Story Plot: The story of Restless begins in 1976, when Ruth Gilmartin is a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her father. She is also trying to figure out her place in the world, and she is feeling increasingly isolated from her family and friends.
One day, Ruth receives a letter from her mother, Eva Delectorskaya, who has been living in seclusion for many years. Eva reveals to Ruth that she was a spy for the British during World War II, and she asks Ruth to help her find a way to come to terms with her past.
Ruth is stunned by this revelation, but she agrees to help her mother. She travels to South Africa, where Eva is living, and they begin to piece together Eva’s story. We learn that Eva was a young Jewish woman who fled Nazi Germany in 1939. She came to England and joined the British Secret Service, where she worked as a spy.
Eva’s work as a spy was dangerous and demanding, and it took a toll on her personal life. She was forced to lie to her family and friends, and she was often put in harm’s way. However, she also made some important sacrifices for her country, and she ultimately helped to win the war.
Critical Response: Restless was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The series was praised for its strong performances, its complex characters, and its suspenseful plot. The Guardian called it “a gripping and intelligent thriller,” and The Telegraph said it was “a beautifully made and acted series that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it.”
Life Lessons: Restless offers a number of life lessons, including:
- The importance of family and friendship
- The power of truth
- The cost of war
- The importance of sacrifice
- The power of love
Conclusion: Restless is a powerful and moving drama that explores the themes of family, friendship, love, war, and sacrifice. It is a well-acted, well-written, and well-directed series that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it.