‘ENTHRALLING, QUIETLY spectacular, meticulously researched’ (The Observer) Sky Original drama Chernobyl explores the truth surrounding the disastrous nuclear power plant explosion in 1986 – a story of incredible heroism and sacrifice, but also shocking lies and conspiracy. Currently airing on Sky Atlantic to great acclaim, the gripping five-part series is set to arrive on DVD and digital from Acorn Media International after the finale which airs tonight at 9pm.
The result of extensive research, Chernobyl seeks to tell the stories of those directly involved in causing the catastrophe, and those affected by the nuclear fallout felt across the world. Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Crown) stars as Valery Legasov, a nuclear physicist who is one of the first people to grasp the scope of the nuclear disaster. Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson – Apple Tree Yard, The Theory of Everything) is a scientist committed to getting to the bottom of the cause, while Lyudmilla Ignatenko (Jessie Buckley – Wild Rose, Beast) is the wife of a firefighter who was first on the scene. Stellan Skarsgård (Mamma Mia, Thor) plays Soviet Deputy Prime Minister Boris Shchergina, leading the government commission from a safe distance.
Directed by The Walking Dead’s Jonas Renck, the series is committed to realism that refuses to shy away from the horrors, both physical and psychological, inflicted upon the victims of this uniquely horrifying event. A deeply moving story about how individuals act when faced with something inexplicable, this drama seeks to honour the spirit of those who helped stop the devastation from spreading even further. The BBC calls it ‘TV that doesn’t just get you thinking, it stops you sleeping,’ and the Irish Independent says, ‘Devastatingly powerful – no piece of dramatised non-fiction has ever felt this authentic.’
Investigating the lengths to which governments will go to cover up atrocities and suppress the spread of information, Chernobyl also acts as a timely warning: the truth will out.
Chernobyl comes to digital 4 July and DVD 8 July after tonight’s finale.
Gripping from start to finish
Name: Chernobyl
Description: Jared Harris and Emily Watson star in this hard-hitting Sky Original exploring the truth surrounding Chernobyl - a story of incredible heroism and sacrifice, but also shocking lies and conspiracy.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
