Pure (British TV series)

Pure is a British television series that first aired in 2019 on Channel 4. The show is based on the book Pure by Rose Cartwright and deals with the topic of Pure Obsessional OCD, commonly referred to as Pure O. The series was created by Kirstie Swain and is notable for its candid exploration of mental health issues, specifically focusing on the protagonist's struggle with intrusive sexual thoughts, a symptom of Pure O.

Plot

The series follows the story of 24-year-old Marnie, who is tormented by disturbing sexual thoughts that she cannot control. Feeling isolated and ashamed, Marnie leaves her home in Scotland to start anew in London. In London, she seeks to understand her condition and find a community where she belongs. Throughout the series, Marnie navigates relationships, therapy, and self-discovery, all while dealing with the challenges posed by her OCD.

Cast and Characters

• Marnie - The protagonist, portrayed by Charly Clive, whose journey to understand and manage her Pure O forms the core narrative of the series.
• Charlie - Played by Joe Cole, he becomes a close friend and confidant to Marnie.
• Amber - A character portrayed by Niamh Algar, who becomes one of Marnie's first friends in London.
• Other supporting characters contribute to the narrative, each bringing their own complexities and insights into Marnie's life and the broader themes of mental health and acceptance.

Production

The series was commissioned by Channel 4 and produced by Drama Republic, known for their work on thought-provoking and critically acclaimed dramas. Pure was praised for its sensitive yet unflinching portrayal of a relatively underrepresented aspect of OCD. The show's approach to its subject matter has been lauded for raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues, particularly those aspects of OCD that are less commonly discussed.

Reception

Pure received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its writing, performances, and its respectful yet raw depiction of mental health. The series has been recognized for its contribution to the conversation around mental health, with particular praise for Charly Clive's performance as Marnie. It has sparked discussions about the importance of representation of mental health conditions in media and the need for more stories that reflect the complexities of living with conditions like Pure O.

See Also

• Obsessive–compulsive disorder
• Mental health in television
• Channel 4 television programmes