Unforgivable: Trailer, certificate and where to watch
Jimmy McGovern's drama explores the devastating impact on a family of an uncle's abuse of a nephew
Year: 2025
Certificate: 18
Jimmy McGovern is known for writing gripping social dramas about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary moments, often seeing them dragged down by a society and institutions that fail them. In Time and Accused, it was a failing prison and justice system. Here, he tackles his most controversial subject yet - arguably TV's last taboo - and doesn't hold back. Take that as a warning that this won't be for everyone.
That subject is child abuse, but not just that. Joe (Bobby Schofield, This City Is Ours) is a 30-something man convicted of sexually assaulting his young nephew. And while scenes do focus on him and what he did, exploring his guilt, shame and self-loathing, this is also the story of his family, and the impact his appalling crime had on them, too. Joe is no straightforward villain and his story is far more complex and moving than you might imagine. It's no easier a watch because of how sensitively it's handled, but it is worth watching. (104 minutes)
