Riot Women Review: BritBox Series – Is It Worth Watching?

“Riot Women” Finds Catharsis – and Cathartic Anthems – in Middle Age

A new BBC series, now streaming on BritBox, explores the complexities of aging, family, and finding your voice, even – and especially – when society deems you invisible. “Riot Women,” created by Sally Wainwright, begins with a startlingly candid depiction of despair, but quickly pivots to a story of resilience and unexpected connection through the formation of an all-female band.

A Dark Beginning, A Hopeful Turn

The series opens with Beth, a teacher grappling with loneliness and depression, contemplating suicide. This bleak prologue is interrupted repeatedly by mundane requests from family, highlighting the relentless demands placed upon her. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Beth reluctantly re-engages with life, spurred by a chance invitation to join a charity gig with a group of amateur musicians. This initial act of acceptance sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment.

Wainwright’s Signature Style: Complex Women and Unflinching Truths

Sally Wainwright is known for her nuanced portrayals of strong women facing difficult circumstances. Her previous work, including the acclaimed crime drama “Happy Valley” and the historical romance “Gentleman Jack,” demonstrates a commitment to exploring the complexities of female experience. “Riot Women” continues this tradition, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges faced by women navigating middle age, the sandwich generation, and the often-unseen burdens of motherhood.

The Band of Outsiders: Finding Strength in Shared Experience

The formation of the band brings together a diverse group of women, each grappling with their own personal struggles. Holly, a retired police officer, finds that managing her family is a more demanding job than law enforcement. Jess, a bar owner, serves as a surrogate mother to her grandchildren while navigating her own daughters’ lives. These women, and others, find solace and strength in their shared experiences, using music as a vehicle for catharsis and self-expression.

Lyrics of Liberation: Giving Voice to the Unspoken

“We sing songs about being middle-aged and menopausal and more or less invisible,” Beth explains, encapsulating the band’s mission. The lyrics, penned with the help of the female rock duo ARXX, tackle taboo subjects like hormone replacement therapy (H.R.T.) and the dismissive phrase “You’re just like your mother.” These songs are not merely complaints, but anthems of defiance and empowerment, giving voice to the frustrations and anxieties of a generation often overlooked.

Complicated Connections and Unlikely Friendships

A central dynamic of the series revolves around the relationship between Beth and Kitty, the band’s fiery lead singer. Kitty, reeling from a violent breakup and the unexpected contact from a child she gave up for adoption decades ago, finds an outlet for her pain in music. The revelation that this child is Beth’s son, Tom, adds a layer of complexity to their burgeoning friendship, forcing them to confront difficult truths and navigate thorny conversations. Despite their pain, both women are hesitant to burden Tom with their struggles, reflecting the enduring maternal instinct to protect their children.

Beyond the Screaming: The Enduring Weight of Life’s Challenges

While the band’s music provides a powerful outlet for expressing anger and frustration, the series acknowledges that simply screaming about problems doesn’t make them disappear. The women’s personal lives remain messy and complicated, even as they find liberation through their music. “Riot Women” ultimately offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the enduring challenges of life, and the importance of finding connection and community in the face of adversity.