Masterpiece Season 28 Episode 13 Cider with Rosie

In the season 28 finale of Masterpiece, viewers are taken on a trip down memory lane through the eyes of a young girl named Rosie (played by Ruby Ashbourne Serkis) in the charming English countryside of the early 20th century. Based on the autobiographical novel by Laurie Lee, "Cider with Rosie" is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of memory.

We first meet Rosie as a wide-eyed 5-year-old, living with her family in a rustic cottage in Gloucestershire. Her world is small but filled with wonder, as she spends her days exploring the lush fields and woods around her home. She adores her mother (Samantha Morton), a gentle woman who dotes on her children and keeps the household running smoothly. Her father (Daniel Mays) is a more distant figure, often away for work, but when he is home, he fills the house with his boisterous energy and love of music. Rosie's siblings are numerous and lively, and she often feels lost in the shuffle, but she finds joy in their company nonetheless.

As Rosie grows older, she begins to experience the ups and downs of adolescence. She develops crushes on the local boys, navigates the complexities of female friendships, and grapples with the harsh realities of illness and death. Through it all, she clings to her love of the natural world, finding solace in the changing seasons and the simple pleasures of rural life.

The cast of "Cider with Rosie" is uniformly excellent, with Serkis giving a particularly impressive performance as the young protagonist. She captures both the innocence and the growing pains of childhood with subtlety and grace, making us care deeply about her journey. Morton and Mays are equally strong as Rosie's flawed but loving parents, and the supporting cast brings the village to life with warmth and authenticity.

Of course, much of the credit for the success of "Cider with Rosie" must go to Lee's novel, which provides a richly detailed portrait of a bygone era. Director Philippa Lowthorpe and screenwriter Ben Vanstone do an admirable job of adapting the book for the screen, preserving its lyrical language and evocative descriptions while also crafting a compelling narrative arc. The result is a vibrant and touching story that honors Lee's legacy while also standing on its own as a superb piece of television.

Visually, "Cider with Rosie" is stunning, with every frame beautifully composed and brimming with color and life. From the verdant countryside to the cozy interiors of Rosie's home, the setting is immersive and transporting. The score, by composer Carl Davis, is also excellent, melding traditional folk melodies with original compositions to create a nostalgic and emotional soundscape.

Overall, "Cider with Rosie" is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and coming-of-age stories alike. It is a moving and resonant work that captures the beauty and pain of growing up in a time and place that no longer exists, but that still holds a special place in our hearts.