It's a Sin (2021)

It's a Sin is a strong series about the infamous AIDS epidemic that caused death and destruction among homosexuals in the 1980s. You follow the adventures of 4 gay young men who live a rather riotous life and as a result are directly or indirectly affected by AIDS. However, the real lead role is played by Jill (Lydia West), a heterosexual musical artist who, because of her close friendship with the foursome, is very closely involved in the epidemic and often acts as their conscience or reason. Although it often falls on deaf ears.

The series does not only provide a good portrait of the riotous gay scene of the eighties and the terrible consequences of the so-called 'gay plague', as AIDS was then called. It is also a sobering insight into the prevailing opinion about homosexuality and the social consequences for gays at the time. It's a Sin knows how to maintain the balance between light humor and bitter seriousness. He never sinks into too serious a tone, but he also never turns into a comedy, because that would lose the message of the series. The casting is excellent, but Lydia West, who I knew from the Years & Years (2019) series, stood out for me. In Years & Years her role was small, but here she manages to portray a amiable yet powerful main character. The way she takes care of a man suffering from AIDS is heartwarming and shocking, due to the lack of knowledge, at the same time. This series alone is worth watching.

It's a Sin is an excellent series about the early days of AIDS and therefore a must for everyone!

Translated from Dutch · View original

By far the best of what I've seen about the rise and the havoc AIDS was wreaking.
Beautiful atmosphere, especially the first two episodes with the initial exuberance and zest for life, but also with the disbelief and incomprehension about the seriousness of a new situation.
Excellent performances in which I am only too happy to underline those of Olly Alexander as the talented ("La") Ritchie and those of Callum Scott Howells as the rather timid, but no less enjoyable Colin.

Translated from Dutch · View original