'Absolute masterpiece' series with 'the best acting on TV' now streaming
Viewers have raved about the New Zealand drama, which features Robyn Malcolm and Peter Mullan
Channel 4 viewers are in for a treat with a drama that has been hailed as having the "best acting on TV".
After The Party - which stars Robyn Malcolm and Peter Mullan - previously scooped a five-star review in the Guardian, which said it was "brilliantly executed", and audiences have agreed, with the gripping tale branded "riveting" and "brilliant".
The acclaimed New Zealand series tells the story of a family plunged into crisis after teacher Penny (Robyn) believes that she sees her husband Phil (Peter) acting inappropriately with the underage friend of their daughter.
She calls him out at a party in front of all of the guests, leading to a huge fall out. Peter insists he is innocent and many people don't believe Penny when she shares what she says she witnessed, but she refuses to stand down and her behaviour eventually starts to alienate people.
Peter ends up moving away and the action plays out five years later, when he returns to town to see his daughter.
The scene in question is told through a series of flashbacks from different points of view through the six-part drama.
The series also stars Tara Canton, who plays Grace, the daughter of Penny and Phil. The supporting cast includes Ian Blackburn, Elz Carrad and Dean O'Gorman, who is known for playing Fili in the Hobbit trilogy.
The gripping tale has gone down a storm with viewers who called it "a masterpiece".
"Wow... we were reeling with awe and admiration for a knockout drama," said one viewer online, adding that the lead actors "were inspired and made for a breathtaking performance".
Someone else commented: "Brilliant, so good I didn’t want to watch it all as I really didn’t want it to be over but just too good to stop. An absolute gem. It doesn’t get much better."
Another impressed fan gushed after watching the series: "This cannot be the end. I need counselling. The most compelling, astounding story of love, betrayal, manipulation and vindication."
Someone else said: "Outstanding performance from all but the STAR of the show without a shadow of a doubt is Robyn Malcolm as Penny... I don't know what the highest acting award is in New Zealand but whatever it is, this lady should be awarded it."
"One of the best TV shows I've seen in a number of years," agreed another viewer.
"Absolutely gripping throughout. Denial, lies, the delicate balance of trust and the fragility of youth.
"Amazing cast, brilliantly directed and produced but I have to say Robyn Malcolm, who plays the leading role as Penny, puts in one of the greatest acting performances that I ever seen."
"Intense and brilliant, and had me hooked from start to finish!" exclaimed somebody else.
After The Party is available on Channel 4.