Black Narcissus Review: 3 Ups And 5 Downs Review

Black Narcissus is a classic BBC Christmas drama; high production values, a stellar cast, a charming period setting and a total disappointment. We are promised some supernatural hijinks but alas, they barely materialise and when they do, it feels like a post-production afterthought, as opposed to a driving force within the narrative.

Supporting characters and sub-plots are introduced and then ignored, red herrings are thrown up but just end up like a JJ Abrams style slap in the face with a wet fish - gotcha! It's all a real shame as this could have made for some really interesting story telling and a fresh take on an old story.

With such fascinating locations, cultures and social dilemmas, Black Narcissus could have been really special, a haunted convent in the Himalayas? Brilliant. Instead we get the tired old trope of nuns and temptation, which is about as challenging as claustrophobia in a submarine film. No ghosts, no sex, just gardening, walking and complaining, so much like the reality we are trying to escape.

Perhaps the Holy Man on the edge of the mountain had the right idea - socially distanced and with a quiet contemplation of what the bloody hell those idiots in unsuitable clothes are doing up a hill in the snow. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for a better offering next year, in all areas.