DVD: Grandma's House (15)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Simon Amstell's neurotic family gatherings turn out to be a rich source of laughs in this six-part sitcom, starring Amstell as "Simon Amstell", in which he and co-writer Dan Swimer conjure a Curb Your Enthusiasm-style sitcom for E4 types.
Thankfully, it wasn't buried on BBC3 (or E4) as it might have been, but given a prime-time slot on the more grown-up BBC2. If you begin unconvinced, then Amstell's curmudgeonly dead-panning ought to grow on you. And if it doesn't, the performances of his supporting cast are wonderful enough to keep you watching. Rebecca Front, in particular, is excellent as Simon's clingy mother, distressed by her son's decision to eschew insulting celebrities on telly in favour of something more serious and fulfilling. The best moments, however, are Simon's passive-aggressive clashes with his mother's awful boyfriend, Clive, played to perfection by James Smith of The Thick Of It.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments