Mary & Martha

This was a powerful one-off drama about the effects of malaria on two mother's lives.

This was the story of two mothers, Mary and Martha, whose sons George and Ben tragically die of malaria after visiting Mozambique. Mary and Martha are contrasting characters with differing lives but they are united in grief and work well together. The chemistry between is well developed and the two act as very strong and empowering individuals. Their journey shows the need for help and resources that Africa needs in order to combat, not just malaria, but diseases in general.

It did show a good side to Africa, with its beauty, animals, its modernisation and the great work of that volunteers can achieve. In turn it showed the devastating effects of malaria, with the condition itself, the difficulty to get help in time and the way the death of George was shot in a fast paced manner was effective in showing how the disease rapidly takes the sufferer's life. The aftermath scenes are very powerful and emotive allowing for me to develop a great connection and concern for the characters.

Both women's reaction are very understandable and Richard Curtis' script goes far to make it a heart-breaking and yet positive story. This positivity came with their determination to make a change that led them to fight and tackle the political policy machine in order to increase aid tot he children affected. The scene in the committee was so powerful, well scripted and performance making it an important message about the work countries need to do in order to help prevent malaria.

Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn gave superb performances as Mary and Martha, along with Lux Haney-Jardine as George and Sam Claflin as Ben who also gave good performances. The supporting cast did well including Frank Grillo, Ian Redford, Bongo Mbutuma and Nokuthula  Ledwaba.