Best Interests review: heartbreaking BBC drama

Best Interests tells about the parents of a young girl with a degenerative muscle disease. She lived much longer than expected, but when it was time to let her go the family fell apart over the decision.

Best Interests was a bit like The Children Act, except this story was told from the parents’ point of view rather than the judge’s. The parents were Nicci (Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (Michael Sheen). The ill child was Marnie (Niamh Moriarty). The family included an older sister, Katie (Alison Oliver).

The four episodes were of an extended length, so it takes more time than you would expect to see them all. We see into Marnie’s early life. We see her joy and love. She had a beautiful relationship with her parents, who were great parents. Katie was a great big sister. Marnie’s health journey was a constant miracle, because she lived much longer than anyone expected.

Eventually the miracles stopped and Marnie was on a ventilator. She suffered a heart attack and seizures when on the breathing machine. The prognosis was not good. The doctor, Samantha (Noma Dumezweni), and the hospital board suggested it was time to take Marnie off life support.

Nicci couldn’t stand the thought. She felt sure there was hope for some change, some new therapy, some new doctor. Katie was of this opinion, too.

Andrew however felt like Marnie was suffering and would want to be allowed to die. The case ended up in court. It was an unimaginably difficult decision for everyone and it broke the family apart.

Andrew took refuge at his brother’s house. Katie spent a lot of time with her girlfriend Mercy (Chizzy Akudolu). Nicci spent all her time at the hospital. A Christian group approached Nicci with promises of possible improvement and they became her backers in the courtroom.

The story, written by Jack Thorne, was powerfully told. The discussions in the family and with doctors and lawyers about what love is and how to express it were brilliantly written. How do you stick up for your children, what is the best way to deal with a terrible situation? It wasn’t just the parents who were well written, Katie had a lot to say too.

Each character was explored. Both pain and joy were part of these lives. Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen were both brilliant in this emotional roller coaster of a story. It was heartbreaking to watch. At the same time it was an outstanding series to watch. If you think your emotions can bear it, I recommend the series. It’s streaming on Acorn TV.