The Jetty: A Thrilling Exploration of Female Resilience Amidst Male Violence
- Jenna Coleman stars in 'The Jetty', a compelling thriller that challenges conventional storytelling.
- The film presents a dark, humorous, and emotional exploration of women's experiences in a male-dominated world.
- Critics praise it for exceeding expectations, particularly in its engaging opening scenes.
The new BBC thriller, *The Jetty*, opens with a clichéd premise featuring a podcaster's ominous voiceover and a detective, Ember Manning, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, who is awakened by a supposed intruder. The initial scenes, including a burning boathouse and a lackluster introduction to Manning's character, suggest a typical crime drama. However, as the narrative unfolds, the series evolves into a compelling exploration of the complexities women face in a world rife with male violence. Assigned to investigate the arson of the boathouse, Manning teams up with her younger male partner, Hitch. The investigation leads them to the local crime family, the Ashbys, and reveals Manning's personal history, including her early pregnancy and the age difference with her late husband. As she delves deeper into the town's dark underbelly, Manning confronts the implications of her past and the pervasive male aggression that shapes her reality. Writer Cat Jones skillfully intertwines humor and poignant moments, highlighting the struggles of motherhood and the societal pressures on women. A particularly striking scene occurs when Manning visits a teenager in the hospital after a suicide attempt, prompting a raw exchange with the girl's mother that underscores the challenges of protecting children from societal dangers. While *The Jetty* may not reach the heights of *Happy Valley*, it offers a nuanced portrayal of female resilience and the harsh truths of navigating a world filled with threats, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.