Playing Nice

Adapted from JP Delaney’s bestselling novel, ITVX’s Playing Nice follows two young families as they grapple with the discovery that their toddler sons were switched at birth. Set against the picturesque Cornish countryside, this psychological thriller squanders its thought-provoking premise with improbable plot twists and characters whose decisions often defy logic – all within just four episodes.

Written by Grace Ofori-Attah, the series follows Pete (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar), who discover their two-year-old son, Theo (Alban Guo), was switched at birth due to a hospital error. This revelation connects them with Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay), Theo’s biological parents, who have, in turn, raised David (Fraser Cornelissen) as their own. While its catalyst taps into one of the most primal and taboo parental fears, Playing Nice swiftly shifts from nuanced exploration to a sensationalist thriller.

Over 400 pages long, Delaney’s novel has ample room to explore ethical dilemmas and deliver a rich, layered examination of parental bonds and identity. However, the four-part screen adaptation struggles to capture these subtle sentiments, instead relying heavily on thriller tropes, which takes away from the story’s complexity. Genuine, intimate moments are overshadowed by melodrama, particularly as Miles’s villainy reaches cartoonish heights despite McArdle’s strong, grounded performance. Possibly constrained by its limited runtime, the adaptation is unable to explore the depth of the events. Themes of love, identity and parental sacrifice are buried under a series of increasingly far-fetched twists, as Pete and Maddie’s unquestioning acquiescence to Miles’s demands, along with Lucy’s shocking confession, fail to carry the emotional weight they should. 

On the other hand, the decision to relocate Delaney’s characters from London to Cornwall – trading metropolitan anonymity for the communal nature of the coast – adds a glossy veneer that sharply contrasts with the story’s dark trajectory. The palpable tension between the two families is juxtaposed with idyllic shots of modernist retreats and scenic seaside views, subtly hinting at a happily-ever-after resolution even as the conflicts intensify and the narrative darkens.

Ultimately, Playing Nice misses the mark, opting for melodrama instead of the emotional complexities that its grave and unconventional premise demands. Though it may appeal to fans of high-stakes thrillers, it lacks the substance needed to capture the nuances of its source material.

Christina Yang

Playing Nice is released on ITVX on 3^rd January 2025.

Watch the trailer for Playing Nice here: