I have a penchant for cult TV series from the 70s and 80s and, having watched quite a few of these serials, what I find holds up the most are the shows with an economy of design. Often, it is the simple production designs, sparing use of music and often the silences that create the moments of tension that bring many of these classic productions much acclaim. Even though I never watched them at the time, programmes like 'The Stone Tapes' and 'Children of the Stones' had stood the test of time and I found them incredibly watchable today with no nostalgia attached. The excellent writing and characterisation brought these works to life and it is no wonder that many of these series have left a lasting impression on the generations that watched them as a result.
The works of British sci-fi author John Wyndham have often been turned into movies and television series. I was aware of his work due to my father having read ‘Day of the Triffids’ back in the 70s when he was in school but I never had read any of his works. I watched the 1980s BBC Triffids series and found it enjoyable as his kitchen sink drama mixed with a sense of dread made his work instantly engaging. Wyndham also authored 'The Midwich Cuckoo' (which the ‘Village of the Damned’ series of movies is based on) and 'The Chrysalids,' which I read recently. I was less aware of his final written work, Chocky, but had heard that the Thames Television 6 part TV series was worth a watch and so, after liking his previous work, I watched the show. Was it worth my time?
Chocky, follows the tales of a young boy named Matthew (excellently played by Andrew Ellams) who develops a friendship with Chocky, however this friend is imaginary... or is it? Eager to find out if this imaginary friend may not be a figment of his imagination but rather an intergalactic intruder, the fraught parents seek advice in whether the presence is benign or malign and it turns their world upside down.
It's an interesting premise as it sounds very much like the demonic possession story trope that was popular in the 80s but actually it is much more nuanced than that; it is a tale about relationships. It could have been overacted and the drama could have escalated to ridiculous proportions but generally it is the growing bond between Chocky and Matthew as well as the familial bonds between Matthew and his father (ably and sympathetically played by James Hazeldine). Rather than panic, like the mother (again, wonderfully played by Carol Drinkwater), the father seeks to understand Chocky and seeks advice. This isn't to say that the mother figure is presented as a harridan or scold but rather she is concerned as even friendly possession is possession and so, frightening to witness in your child.
I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and loved the way the family dealt with this existential threat to their unit in a plausible and sympathetic way rather than descending into histrionics and melodrama. Wyndham is a quintessential British sci-fi storyteller, with his less is more and subtle approach. Chocky is wonderful stuff which brings back waves of 80s nostalgia; the hair, the fashion, the transport and the shops. Make no mistake, this is a Cold War inspired film about an alien host but this is one about mutual respect and understanding rather than blowing each other to oblivion. With a heartfelt message like that Wyndham’s final tale is one of hope and reconciliation. One we could heed in these interesting times.
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