New BBC drama The Cry has been branded “irritating” by viewers who said the way it switched between timelines made it confusing and hard to follow.
The series, starring Jenna Coleman as a mother whose baby disappears, debuted on Sunday night.
Read more: Jenna Coleman on plans for motherhood after filming The Cry
From the start the story jumped back and forwards between the past, present and future, leaving viewers baffled – and annoyed.
Many questioned why the tale could not be told in chronological order.
“I can’t get into this it keeps jumping from one thing to another, why do they do that, why can’t it start at the beginning and carry on from there, instead of keep going back and forth,” said one person on Twitter.
I can’t get into this it keeps jumping from one thing to another,why do they do that, why can’t it start at the beginning and carry on from there, instead of keep going back and forth,#TheCry
— marg (@mj_margaret) September 30, 2018
“When this is finished can someone edit it all into chronological order so I can make more sense of it,” suggested another.
when this is finished can someone edit it all into chronological order so i can make more sense of it #TheCry
— becky (@itsbeckyamy) September 30, 2018
One viewer posted: “Watching #TheCry on @BBC1 but so many confusing flashbacks it’s totally impossible to know what’s happening and when; especially when the husband looks the same in every scene??? #givingup.”
Watching #TheCry on @BBC1 but so many confusing flashbacks it’s totally impossible to know what’s happening and when; especially when the husband looks the same in every scene??? #givingup
— David Hogg (@DavidHogg14) September 30, 2018
“#TheCry – not sure about it, it’s awfully disjointed…I know that’s what they’re aiming for but it just comes over as annoying rather than unsettling,” tweeted another person.
#TheCry – not sure about it, it’s awfully disjointed…I know that’s what they’re aiming for but it just comes over as annoying rather than unsettling. Missing Killing Eve all the more.
— Ruth Findlay (@ruth4325) September 30, 2018
“Not enjoying the flip-flopping in #TheCry It’s irritating me beyond belief,” moaned another.
Not enjoying the flip-flopping in #TheCry It’s irritating me beyond belief.
— fauxpaschick 💞 ️ (@fauxpaschick) September 30, 2018
Despite the gripes about the structure, viewers were gripped by the subject.
“So many questions.. such quality.. brilliant writing , clever story , great acting .. all good,” one person said.
Ooooh #TheCry.. that was tense 😬! So many questions.. 😬such quality.. brilliant writing , clever story , great acting .. all good 🤗
— JJ (@JamiesonJj) September 30, 2018
“I was literally at the edge of my seat,” posted another.
Absolutely brilliant #TheCry I was literally at the edge of my seat @BBCWales @Jenna_Coleman_
— Tค๓คгค L๏ยเรє R๏๒єгtร (@tamlouise321) September 30, 2018
Read more: All you need to know about The Cry
There was also plenty of praise for Coleman’s acting.
“@Jenna_Coleman_ astounding performance on #TheCry. What a wonderful actress you are. Was looking forward to see you on this TV show, I’m not disappointed !” praised one impressed viewer, while another said the actress’s performance gave them “chills”.
@Jenna_Coleman_ astounding performance on #TheCry. What a wonderful actress you are. Was looking forward to see you on this TV show, I’m not disappointed !
— Sam ❄️ サム (@Nastesiae) September 30, 2018
Chills running down my spine – now there’s a performance @Jenna_Coleman_ #TheCry
— Daniel Engström (@RDacop) September 30, 2018
The Cry continues on BBC One next Sunday. Will you be watching? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.