Prisoner 951, a new BBC drama based on the real-life story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, made its debut on Sunday night and viewers were quick to share their thoughts
Prisoner 951 is a four-part series on BBC One(Image: BBC)
A new BBC drama inspired by a remarkable true story premiered on Sunday, 23 November, sparking immediate reaction from audiences.
Prisoner 951 chronicles the story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman who spent six years imprisoned and held hostage by Iran, alongside her husband Richard Ratcliffe’s relentless campaign for her freedom.
The four-part factual drama features Gangs of London actress Narges Rashidi portraying Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, whilst Joseph Fiennes, recognised for his work in The Handmaid’s Tale, plays her husband Richard Ratcliffe.
According to the synopsis for Prisoner 951: “In 2016, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is torn from her 22-month-old daughter, arrested, falsely accused of espionage, and imprisoned in Iran.
“Thousands of miles away, in London, her husband Richard refuses to stay silent and does everything in his power to bring her home.. When it is revealed that Nazanin is a pawn in a decades-old political dispute, Richard wages a campaign to free her, battling tyranny abroad and seeming indifference at home,” reports the Mirror.
Narges Rashidi as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Prisoner 951(Image: BBC)READ MORE: Luke Evans’ ‘gripping’ new ITV drama about ‘class, sex, shame and power’ is being made in WalesREAD MORE: Popular Welsh comedy returning to BBC this winter
Shortly after the programme began on BBC One, viewers took to social media platforms to voice concerns about the subtitles – though many were also gripped by the “harrowing” storyline.
One viewer wrote: “Not sure I have the energy to be reading this many subtitles #Prisoner951.”
Another commented: “Sorry it’s #Sunday night and I’m not gonna sit here reading subtitles to understand what’s happening. #Prisoner951.”
One viewer remarked: “#Prisoner951 why do subtitlers not understand white on white is a bad idea.”
Another chimed in: “#Prisoner951 you don’t really need subtitles because every conversation is the same.”
Despite these criticisms, viewers were deeply moved by the real-life narrative. One viewer expressed: “This is heartbreaking.”
Another added: “God, this is horrifying stuff. Even having followed this since day one, seeing it dramatised is gut wrenching #Prisoner951”.
A different viewer shared: “This is going to be a tough watch but after all those years of keeping her name out there, it’s wonderful to watch this knowing she’s home with her family #Prisoner951”.
Joseph Fiennes plays Richard Ratcliffe(Image: BBC)
Before the series aired, Narges Rashidi, who portrayed Nazanin, was asked about her experience stepping into such a challenging role. She responded: “Emotionally, it was probably the most demanding role I’ve ever played. We were shooting incredibly intense scenes day after day. Some days I had up to eight scenes with emotional climaxes, that’s something you rarely get to do in a project.”
She continued: “It was an emotional roller-coaster, but at the end of the day, I would go home and sleep in a warm bed knowing I’m an actor in this role for four months, I know it’s not real.
“But for Nazanin, that was her reality for six years; she never knew how, when or if it would end. So, really, I don’t think it’s possible to fill those shoes in any capacity, but I tried to at least be truthful to her story and my best to do her justice.”
The BBC has confirmed that the new series is grounded in “first-hand accounts of Nazanin and Richard as well as extensive research”. This announcement precedes the release of a new book, A Yard of Sky, penned by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe.
Prisoner 951 is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
