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Published 08:09 7 May 2019 BST
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The episode also includes one of the most visceral and gruelling hangovers ever captured on screen. Graham’s dedication to body fluids is impressive (and skin crawling), but more than that, it is hard to think of a film or show that better understands the fear and regret that comes after drinking to excess.
The second episode is more traditional – Joseph meets his long-lost sister, and starts to confront his past, and after the daring opener it does feel a tad less thrilling. Still, the acting remains absolutely at the highest standard, especially with the additions of Niamh Algar and newcomer Helen Behan as Joseph's sister and sister-in-law. Very little is actually revealed, and the action focuses more on Joseph trying to integrate into his sister's life with as little friction as possible than anything else. Meadows is comfortable taking his time and is no hurry to get to the 'answers'. The majority of information about Joseph’s past is conveyed through ghostly VHS flashbacks - videotape has never been so haunting.
Notably, it feels like Meadows’ first work that is about adulthood. Films like Room For Romeo Brass and Somers Town excelled at capturing the listlessness and energy of youth – in The Virtue, these are characters with lives, and pasts and regrets. In a recent Guardian interview, Meadows opened about how he experienced an incident of sexual abuse as a child, and how Joseph’s story is inspired by his own past, and that honesty shines through.
In a filmography full of personal, heavy themes, The Virtues might be his most difficult and personal work to date.
The Virtues starts on Channel 4 on Wednesday, May 15th, at 9pm. 
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