'This England' viewers find reliving the pandemic a harrowing watch

Pandemic drama This England has proved a traumatic watch for many viewers who found it a little too soon to relive the early days of COVID.

The Sky Atlantic series sees Sir Kenneth Branagh transformed into Boris Johnson and tracks the beginning of the pandemic, lockdown in the UK, and the decisions made by Johnson and his government.

Read more: This England director says Boris Johnson 'won't be flattered' by portrayal

But with events having taken place just two and a half years ago, for many it was too soon to be able to watch the very realistic portrayal as entertainment.

One viewer reflected on the tough memories it brought back, tweeting: "My God. Episode 3 of This England on Sky Atlantic. The care homes. The people we lost to Covid. The NHS staff who cared in impossible situations. The lack of PPE. Utterly compelling and heartbreaking."

Another person shared: "Painful to watch #ThisEngland. My father died in 2020 with the first Covid wave aged 86. Couldn’t see him, managed a phone call. No funeral. Nothing. We have his memorial next month. RIP to all who died and their loved ones. A truly terrible time for all."

Someone else wrote: "Impossible to watch #ThisEngland without feeling incredibly distressed at what we all went through and what so many lost, fury at the Government’s incompetence and mishandling of the pandemic, and anger at Boris Johnson. He must never hold public office again."

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Others said that they found watching the period of history they had so recently lived through a surreal experience.

A viewer tweeted: "This England is fascinating with a great performance from Kenneth Branagh. Looking back on the early days of Covid though it feels more than ever like something out of a sci-fi film. It feels surreal despite having lived through it."

Someone else agreed: "Watching #ThisEngland & it can easily be compared to an unimaginable horror movie. Crazy to think we lived through those times #pandemic #BorisJohnson Surreal.."

Many viewers praised Sir Kenneth's work portraying Johnson, which they thought was uncomfortably convincing, and Sky shared a video of how he had been transformed into the former PM through hair and make up.

One viewer wrote: "Kenneth Branagh is absolutely fabulous in #ThisEngland. Great acting, but very uncomfortable viewing."

However, for some it proved simply too much for an evening's viewing.

One person wrote: "Started watching #ThisEngland but quickly realised I don’t want to see Boris Johnson humanised, all domestic scenes and a jovial presence in no. 10. He hasn’t been gone long enough for me to want to relive 2020."

Someone else commented: "Tried to watch #ThisEngland but Branagh is such a convincing Boris Johnson, I’m getting annoyed and cringing, so I’ve switched it off."

Watch: Sir Kenneth Branagh transforms into Boris Johnson in This England trailer