Television viewers were blown away by Sarah Lancashire’s performance in missing child drama Kiri, although there was disappointment over “inaccuracies” in the portrayal of social work.
The four-part series follows social worker Miriam Grayson, who is caught up in a police investigation when a nine-year-old girl disappears while on a supervised visit.
Viewers were full of praise for Lancashire’s powerhouse of a performance as Grayson.
“Sarah Lancashire is an absolute national treasure. What a performance, as per,” said one person on Twitter.
Sarah Lancashire is an absolute national treasure. What a performance, as per. #Kiri
— Sam Carrick (@SammyCarrick) January 10, 2018
“Everything Sarah Lancashire touches turns to brilliance #Kiri is no different,” praised another impressed viewer.
Everything Sarah Lancashire touches turns to brilliance #Kiri is no different
— Gordon G Donaldson (@gordygeorge88) January 10, 2018
One said the actress was “on another level”.
Sarah Lancashire is on another level 🥇 #Kiri
— Francesca Floyd (@cescafloyd) January 10, 2018
However, social media was also flooded with messages from people saying the case would not have been handled as it was in the programme.
One person tweeted: “If I wasn’t a social worker or cared how SW is portrayed I’d think Kiri was fantastic. Great actors and a dramatic plot – the kind of stuff good TV is made of.
“However, cliches, stereotypes and inaccuracies for an hour – perhaps, less BAFTA & more ‘could do better’ award.”
#Kiri If I wasn't a social worker or cared how SW is portrayed I'd think Kiri was fantastic. Great actors and a dramatic plot – the kind of stuff good TV is made of. However, clichés, stereotypes and inaccuracies for an hour – perhaps, less BAFTA & more 'could do better' award.
— Jillian Brannan (@JillianBrannan) January 10, 2018
Another called it “a completely inaccurate representation of child protection”.
a completely inaccurate representation of child protection #Kiri
— Leah✨ (@leahbavister) January 10, 2018
So far #Kiri has been the most inaccurate attempt to recreate social work. We don't drink alcohol coffee, we wouldn't be called straight to a police station, and we wouldn't be more bothered about our dog to supervise the visit. #EastEnders managed a better job at this rate!
— Phil Carelton (@philcarelton) January 10, 2018
One said it was “the most inaccurate attempt to recreate social work”.
The viewer continued: “We don’t drink alcohol coffee, we wouldn’t be called straight to a police station, and we wouldn’t be more bothered about our dog to supervise the visit. #EastEnders managed a better job at this rate!”
Kiri continues on Channel 4.