Happy Valley star's 'harrowing' period drama quietly added to BBC iPlayer

Mr Jones trailer

Happy Valley star's 'harrowing' period drama is set to be quietly added to BBC iPlayer this week.

Originally released back in 2019, the film Mr Jones is set to be available on the streaming platform for free from September 2. It is inspired by real events as well as the life and work of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones. However, if you can't wait until then, it is also available on Prime Video for those with a subscription.

According to its synopsis, the story picks up upon the discovery of evidence for the genocidal famine induced by Stalin's political forces in Ukraine. A fearless journalist endeavours to report the man-made catastrophe.

The highly compelling political thriller comes from award-winning director Agnieszka Holland. Welsh journalist Gareth Jones (James Norton: Little Women) risks his life to expose the truth about the devastating famine in the Soviet Union in the early 1930s.

Leading the cast is Happy Valley and Playing Nice star James Norton as Gareth Jones. He is joined by Marvel's Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard, known for his roles in September 5 and Green Lantern.

It boasts an 86% rating on the website Rotten Tomatoes, with most critics praising it for being so timely and showing the importance of in today's political landscape.

One reviewer claimed: "Jones's story has been largely forgotten, so it's commendable that this film is bringing it back to the forefront."

Another stated: "An effective and harrowing period drama, one that you may struggle to shake off for some time."

A third penned: "Perhaps in the 1990s, Mr Jones would have gained some mild attention from Academy voters for telling a dark story with just the right amount of frankness and Hollywood sheen."

Fans are just as enthusiastic about both the subject matter and the performances from the leading stars. One simply claimed, "One of the most important movies ever made."

While another posted online: "Stunning film, chilling, about a piece of history few know anymore. It rings true for our time also, that nature is turned against for the sake of power and money, followed by cover-ups of epic proportion."

They continued: "James Norton is required to be at his best, and he is, and Vanessa Kirby is inspiring as his comrade in truth. Please watch this fil,m which is also visually stark and honest."

Someone else advised: "Absolutely brilliant and well worth watching in spite of the harrowing scenes. It's a story that needs to be told as the background to the current Ukrainian situation. Incredible acting by James Norton.

Mr Jones is streaming on Prime Video and BBC iPlayer from September 2.