The dark comedy stars the former Doctor Who actor and it has viewers saying they’re ‘locked in’
Matt Smith is fronting a new dark comedy series adapted from a “compulsive read” which has proved a massive success since its debut episode.
The Death of Bunny Munro, shot on location throughout Sussex, is a dark comedy adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel sharing the same title.
The musician and author’s website describes the original book as “a compulsive read possessing all Nick Cave’s trademark horror and humanity, often thinly disguised in a galloping, playful romp”.
In The Death of Bunny Munro, the ex-Doctor Who actor portrays the titular role, a middle-aged salesman obsessed with sex who embarks on a journey across Sussex with his son following his wife’s death.
Whilst packed with black humour, the programme also delves into themes of bereavement and has drawn comparisons to programmes such as Netflix’s Adolescence.
Radio Times awarded it four out of five stars, stating: “Netflix’s Adolescence brought much-needed attention to the hateful attitudes emanating from a growing corner of the internet and taking root in the minds of today’s teenagers and young men.
“But the revelatory element of its story was less the misogyny itself and more so the method of transmission, with the web’s now-infamous ‘manosphere’ serving as a powerful amplifier for harmful ideas that had once appeared to be in decline.
“The Death of Bunny Munro almost serves as a prequel in that respect, exploring how the objectification, disrespect and outright abuse of women was taught to boys long before social media had the world in its death grip.”
The six-part series drops in its entirety, allowing viewers to watch all episodes back-to-back.
Social media users flocked to X, previously known as Twitter, to heap praise on Smith’s performance, with Lil Lulu writing: “#MattSmith you really have outdone yourself with Bunny Munro. Just superb. I love him and I hate him all at the same time. Give this man his flowers and give him ALL THE AWARDS!”
@drunkestgiraffe posted: “No in all honesty this is giving me emotional whiplash. It is gutting me and all I want is to help these poor souls but also WHY is he so HOT?
“I fully concur with Nick Cave he should NOT be this attractive. Put it away, Smith.”
Vid wrote: “Watched a half of episode one of Bunny Munro to see the vibe. Matt is so great as a despicable mf holy **** I can actually ******* kill him and the show’s kinda depressing and funny so far. Also truly heartbreaking son and wife, I’m locked in.”
Nana remarked: “I already love this mini-series.”
Rachel Louise declared: “Despite only having seen those first two episodes, I’m pretty confident in saying I think The Death of Bunny Munro is actually Matt Smith’s best role yet.”
The Death of Bunny Munro broadcasts on Sky Atlantic.