
The words: 'ITV' and 'Drama' have become synonymous with British audiences over a number of years, but unfortunately the words: 'ITV' and 'Quality' are rarely used in the same way. Looking to change that is the new, big budget drama Broadchurch, boasting the acting talents of not only David Tennant (Doctor Who) and Oliva Colman (Peep Show), but a who's who of renowned British television and cinema actors. Thankfully, being in the business that I am, there are plenty of chances for me to be pleasantly surprised by the unlikely, and I can't help but feel enamored by a series that (so far) has yet to break boundaries in the same way that similar shows such as Twin Peaks did back in the nineties, but has proven itself to be more than competent in its own regard.

As I previously mentioned, Broadchurch has been shot in a way that is arguably unnecessary for a story of this caliber, but huge props to director James Strong and cinematographer Matt Gray for elevating the drama above shows such as A Touch of Frost or Midsummer Murders with beautiful cinematography. Opting for a very soft focused (almost dream like) nature to the footage, we see a stark contrast to the powerful performances on display. Furthermore the performances are often captured in unconventional methods in what is typically referred to as arthouse framing, which, much like the soft focus feel goes a long way to emphasize characterization; the loneliness and isolation the actors go a long way to show.

If you can move past these superficial issues though, you'll see that taking a trip to Broadchurch was much more than just a good idea.