So, the Defoes are back. Two years after Hannah (Nicola Walker) and Nathan’s (Stephen Mangan) attempt at a “good divorce,” the family convenes for a destination wedding in Catalonia, Spain. Because nothing says “amicable separation” like sangria and simmering resentments. This premiere, unfolding over a single weekend, throws the family back into close proximity, practically guaranteeing fireworks. Hannah, still wrestling with the fallout of her marriage, finds herself contemplating a new romantic chapter. But can she truly move on amidst the emotional wreckage of the past, or will the Defoe family drama pull her back in?
This two parter sees, amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Catalonia’s wine region, break-ups, make-ups, and the ever-messy realities of modern relationships take center stage. The Defoes, London’s top divorce lawyers, continue to be spectacularly inept at managing their own personal lives. The wedding provides a convenient backdrop for all the awkward encounters, forced pleasantries, and inevitable blow-ups that family gatherings tend to inspire. Let’s face it, weddings are rarely about the happy couple; they’re about the simmering tensions and barely concealed anxieties of everyone else. And the Defoes are nothing if not a breeding ground for both.
The premiere focuses heavily on Hannah’s emotional state. Fans of the show’s exploration of marriage and divorce in the 21st century will likely find something to chew on, while newcomers may wonder why anyone puts themselves through this kind of familial torture. But hey, that’s the enduring appeal of dysfunctional families, right? We can’t look away.
The Split airs on BBC iPlayer, Sunday, December 29, 2024.
