The art of being bored in the English countryside
In short: How does a small village become a claustrophobic universe of social clumsiness? This British mockumentary captures the specific, agonizing mundanity of rural life, where the lack of opportunity breeds a unique brand of nihilism and eccentric human behavior.
Created by siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper, 'This Country' premiered on BBC Three in February 2017. The series centers on cousins Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe, who navigate the trivialities and social isolation of a small Cotswolds village. The show's atmosphere is intentionally claustrophobic; while the material is based on Cirencester, the production moved to the smaller village of Northleach to better isolate the characters and heighten the sense of confinement.
The comedy is rooted in the relatable friction between the characters' internal delusions and external realities. Kerry views herself as a local authority figure despite shying away from confrontation, while Kurtan harbors ambitions to leave the village that consistently fail. Their dynamic is anchored by an unlikely friendship with Rev. Francis Seaton, a kind-hearted vicar who serves as a surrogate father figure, filling the void left by Kerry's negligent and narcissistic parents.
The production achieved significant cultural reach, garnering over 52 million BBC iPlayer requests. Critics praised the show for its 'perfectly observed' comedy and its ability to create a rich, distinct universe in just a few episodes. The series' influence even led to an American adaptation, 'Welcome to Flatch,' which premiered in 2022 before being cancelled in 2023.
A notable piece of production lore involves Kerry's father, Martin Mucklowe. Played by the siblings' real father, Paul Cooper, the character's unsettling mannerisms were reportedly based on police interview tapes of serial killer Fred West, who lived nearby in Gloucester.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: This Country
- Also: Wikidata — This Country · CC0
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