Apple TV+'s 'Trying': Review

Filled with humour, emotion and humanity, this delightful comedy series helps destigmatise the adoption process, whilst making stars of it's charming leads Esther Smith and Rafe Spall

Esther Smith and Rafe Spall in 'Trying'

by Jack Linsdell

Apple TV+ may not have millions of subscribers (like Amazon Prime) or a place in the current zeitgeist (like Netflix), but it's original content is proving to be of a far better quality, and entertainment value, than either of those two streaming giants. From The Morning Show to Dickinson, Apple TV+ have been on a hot streak with their original series, something that most certainly continues with Trying.

Created and written by Andy Wolton, Trying is an immensely funny, very grounded and infectiously entertaining British comedy series. Best described as a "very British Instant Family", the series follows couple Nikki and Jason, who after trying and failing to have their own child (Nikki is infertile), decide to adopt instead. Season one, consisting of 8 very bingeable half-an-hour episodes, charts their mental and physical preparation for becoming foster parents, along with all the self-doubt, anxiety and extensive paperwork that comes with such a life-changing decision. This is almost the first act of Instant Family, exploring how strenuous and taxing the process is for couples, who are rigorously assessed for their "suitability" to become parents. Much like Sean Anders' superb comedy-drama, Trying tackles the stereotypes and stigma around adoption head on, without glossing over the difficulties of the whole process. It's realistic (but positive) presentation of adoption is aided by it's existence as a charming comedy. Indeed, Trying never ceases to be anything short of light entertainment with a lot of heart, humanity and bundles of laughs to be found in every episode. This show is very, very funny, and will keep a smile on your face long after you've watched it. 

I won't spoil how the show ends, but it's a very fitting and emotive ending, with a pretty genius and subtle tease for what's in store for the couple in the next season. As I said, because this acts as almost the first act to a movie, Trying has the unique ability to carry on for at least two more seasons as different parts of the adoption process are explored in great (and hilarious) detail and specificity, with each new series. And, based on the quality (and entertainment value) of the material, and the exceptional performances by the entire cast, I'm the first in line to keep coming back for more. Apple TV+ have renewed Trying for a second season, which was due to begin filming this summer, although coronavirus-related disruptions may mean we have to wait a little longer to see it. 

Apple TV+ has distinguished itself from the likes of Netflix by offering very "on the wall", quirky stories (both in style and content) that are anchored by one (or several) "big" stars. Among the biggest of Hollywood heavyweights to lead an Apple original series or movie are Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hanks, Hailee Steinfeld, Chris Evans and Jennifer Aniston. Well...Trying may not have the "big" names, but it will most definitely make stars out of it's leads Rafe Spall (son of actor Timothy Spall) and newcomer Esther Smith (whose biggest role was a lead in BBC Three's Cuckoo). Spall and Smith have exceptional chemistry, immediately investing you into Nikki and Jason's relationship from the very first moments, to the point that you can't believe they aren't actually a couple in real life. They clearly had a lot of fun making this, and that translates brilliantly on-screen. Smith is most certainly a talent with a big career ahead of her, and one of these rare "expressive" actors, who can emote so much with the tiniest of movements and facial expressions. She really captures Nikki's infectiously-upbeat spirit, working well with Spall's "playing it cool" Jason, both finding a humanity and vulnerability in their characters and creating one of the best "on screen" relationships I've seen on TV for a long time. 

To any content producers reading this, you do not need "big stars" in your shows to make them into masterpieces. Smith and Spall are the very heart and soul of why Trying is so damn good and I can't wait to spend more time with them next season. Elsewhere, we have a very funny supporting turn form Imelda Staunton as Nikki and Jason's somewhat "loose cannon" social worker, who provides some of the show's funniest lines. The whole cast is delightful and the subplots and various story strands regarding Nikki and Jason's closest friends and family supplement our "A" storyline very well. 

The show feels very British, both in it's style of humour and it's (very overt) setting in the heart of London, with iconic shots of Camden Market and various other famous landmarks of the City ever present in director Jim O'Hanlon's cinematography. Sure, this may make Trying more enjoyable and relatable to me (because I'm British), although, it still feels broad and general enough to be universally appealing - not to mention that most American audiences love the British iconography. And, with a catchy theme tune that I can't get out of my head (trust me, I've tried), Trying is a pure delight. 

If you want something light and funny, then this is the show for you. However, Trying also offers poignant, emotive (I cried several times) and immensely relatable drama too. It's never "depressing", yet is sufficiently compelling to keep you engrossed and entertained from start to finish. Anchored by two sublime leading performances from Smith and Spall, Trying becomes a heartfelt and realistic portrayal of adoption, finding comedy in the most difficult aspects of our day-to-day lives. A show about infertility has just given birth to a TV masterpiece. 

5/5 STARS