Simply Perfect

Sadly Over-hyped

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Elaine is going through a tough time, her husband has lost interest in their relationship, and is spending his time elsewhere, her mum is spiteful, boasting constantly about her son, while her son treats her home like a doss house, bringing girls home at random. Elaine's one escape from it all is baking, selling her cakes, and taking pleasure in her creations. One batch of rock cakes sparks in the oven, a disaster, until her mum, Millie, spots the Virgin Madonna in the mix. The cake seems to have miracle powers for those that come into contact, spots clear up, best friend Jax gets the urge to diet, even Millie's crippling arthritis vanishes.This is a truly delightful sixty minute drama, it's light, funny, touching and totally engaging. Sarah Lancashire is a favourite actress of mine, never failing to impress, she's fantastic here, you truly warm to Elaine. Rita Tushingham is great to as her spiteful mum.A shame it was only on for an hour, this deserved to be on a longer format. A shame no channel seems able to make such fine comedy dramas anymore.A humble tale of rags to humbles....Brilliant, 9/10