Stephen Graham delivers one of his most compelling performances yet in The Virtues, a four-part emotional drama about a recovering alcoholic confronting his painful past.
- Stephen Graham’s performance as Joseph is deeply affecting.
- The drama explores themes of trauma, family, and forgiveness.
- Available to stream now on Channel 4’s All 4 platform.
What happened
The Virtues follows the story of Joseph, a recovering alcoholic from Liverpool whose life is turned upside down when his ex-partner leaves for Australia with their child. Struggling with despair, Joseph relapses and sets off on a journey to Ireland, where he grew up in care, determined to confront his painful and repressed childhood memories.
Upon returning, Joseph reunites with his sister Anna and is taken in by her family. As he works with her husband’s building company, he encounters people from his past, leading him to grapple with memories that challenge his quest for forgiveness. Along the way, Joseph develops a connection with Dinah, another troubled individual facing her own demons.
Why it feels good
The Virtues is more than just a drama—it’s an honest and sensitive exploration of complex emotions like trauma, addiction, and healing. Stephen Graham’s nuanced portrayal brings raw vulnerability to Joseph’s struggle, making his experience feel authentic and profoundly moving to viewers.
The storytelling carefully balances heartbreak with hope, showing how facing one’s past can be both painful and freeing. Co-written by Jack Thorne, known for his psychologically rich narratives, the series invites audiences to reflect on the power of forgiveness and the resilience of the human spirit.
What to enjoy or watch next
You can stream all four episodes of The Virtues now on Channel 4’s All 4 service. For those who appreciate Stephen Graham’s talent, another standout drama to watch is The Walk-In on ITVX, where he plays an activist infiltrating far-right groups. Both dramas highlight Graham’s remarkable range and dedication.
Fans of intense character-driven stories might also enjoy The Damned United, a film featuring Graham as football captain Billy Bremner. It showcases another facet of his acting prowess and is available on BBC iPlayer, making it easy to explore more of his impressive work.