Word-of-mouth is spreading fast as new drama led by familiar face from Shetland begins to take hold on Netflix. Early scenes don’t give much away, lulling viewers into sense of calm before everything starts to shift.

Then, without warning, emotional stakes rise sharply—reveals hit harder, and characters begin to unravel in ways that feel painfully real. Reactions online show one clear pattern: people weren’t expecting this level of intensity. What begins as slow burn quickly becomes something far more consuming. And once story crosses that line, there’s no going back. SEE MORE BELOW

Sheridan Smith’s heartrending drama, Care, is coming to Netflix this month. If you missed the 90-minute film when it initially aired on the BBC in 2018, you’ll soon have a chance to watch it.

The hard-hitting drama stars Sheridan Smith as single mum, Jenny, whose world is turned upside down after her mother, Mary (Alison Steadman), is diagnosed with vascular dementia.

© BBC/LA Productions/Dan Prince
Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman star as Jenny and Mary in Care

The drama is co-written by Gillian Juckes and BAFTA-winning writer Jimmy McGovern, who is no stranger to bringing powerful stories to the small-screen, having created the acclaimed BBC prison drama, Time.

This moving story has been praised for its agonising portrayal of a family learning to cope with dementia and features brilliant performances from Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman. Keep reading to find out more…

What is Care about?

The drama centres around Jenny Northwood, a single mum struggling to raise her two daughters, Sophie and Lauren, since her husband Dave left her for another woman.

She relies on the help of her widowed mum, Mary, who allows Jenny to hold down a job at the supermarket. But when Mary suffers a stroke that leads to vascular dementia, Jenny’s world comes crashing down and everything changes for her and her sister, Claire.

© Jeff Spicer
Alison plays Mary, who is diagnosed with vascular dementia after suffering a stroke

Unable to afford private healthcare, Jenny is forced to give up her job and look after her mum. But the stress of caring for Mary soon takes its toll and Jenny reaches breaking point.

The synopsis continues: “Finding herself torn between her own life and the wellbeing of her mother, Jenny soon discovers that another way could be possible – but she’ll have to fight for it.”

Joining Sheridan and Alison in the star-studded cast are Unforgotten‘s Sinéad Keenan as Claire, Shetland and Happy Valley‘s Anthony Flanagan as Dave and Motherland‘s Tanya Moodie as Nurse Jamaal.

© Lucy Curran / Netflix
Sinead Keenan plays Claire in the drama

What have viewers and critics said about Care?

Viewers have praised the drama as “shocking” and “superb,” with many praising the cast’s performances.

One person wrote in an online review: “Two incredible actresses with a heart-wrenching and compassionate script which they deliver brilliantly. I cried throughout and felt the pain Sheridan Smith portrayed. Superb drama from the BBC.”

© Mike Marsland/WireImage
Sheridan has been praised for her moving performance

A second viewer wrote: “Exceptional performances from everybody. Every single scene is heartbreaking to watch. One of the best TV dramas I’ve ever seen.”

The film was met with rave reviews from critics, with The Guardian hailing the drama as “delicately observed” in its four-star review, which highlighted Sheridan’s compelling performance.

Meanwhile, the i Paper handed out five stars, describing the film as a “heartfelt” and “gruelling blend of political and human drama”.

How to watch Care

Viewers don’t have long to wait as Care comes to Netflix on 31 March.