Damilola, Our Loved Boy

The shocking death of ten-year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000 saw an innocent schoolboy lose his life on the streets of London. In front of the world's media, his parents embarked on a gruelling path to find justice - but behind closed doors, how could their love survive such private grief? This feature-length drama reveals the personal story behind the headlines, immersing us in Damilola's world, exploring his journey from Lagos to London and looking his family's quest for justice. Told primarily from the point of view of Damilola's father, Richard Taylor OBE, this is a surprising, intimate and deeply moving story of fatherhood, family and hope.
We meet Richard and Gloria Taylor with their three children in their home in Nigeria. Eldest daughter Gbemi suffers from severe epilepsy, but having been born in London, she's entitled to life-saving treatment on the NHS. When Richard is refused leave from work to accompany Gbemi, he reluctantly agrees that Gloria should travel to the UK with their two eldest children. Ten-year-old Damilola, the only member of the family who has never been to the UK, appeals to his father to be allowed to go with them. Out of love for his youngest boy, Richard relents. Damilola is overjoyed.
When Gbemi is taken ill and admitted to hospital during a family visit to Peckham, Gloria and her children relocate to their auntie's small council flat. Gbemi receives treatment, Tunde gets a job, and Damilola begins school. He loves his new life in London.
Everything changes one November night when Gloria discovers Damilola has not returned home. Tunde rushes to his mother's side and makes a fateful call to his father back in Lagos. Richard learns from his eldest son that their beloved boy, Damilola, is dead.
Richard's journey to London, the emotional repercussions of his son's death and the family's quest for justice unfold against a backdrop of national interest and private grief. Can a father find purpose again when the world denies him justice? C

BetaSeries' opinion

Discover the Depths of Drama with Screen Two: A Must-Watch Anthology Series

If you are a fan of thought-provoking narratives and high-quality dramatic performances, then Screen Two, a seminal British television anthology series, deserves a spot on your watchlist. Airing from 1985 to 1998 on BBC2, this series brought forth an array of standalone dramas that captured the essence of human experiences through its innovative storytelling. As a spiritual successor to the beloved Play for Today, Screen Two marked a significant shift in how stories were told on British television. Each episode is crafted as a cinematic gem, filmed entirely on location rather than confined to studio sets, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in each narrative.

One of the standout features of Screen Two is its commitment to quality over quantity. With 15 seasons comprising 168 episodes, each installment offers a distinct tale that reflects varied aspects of life in Britain during its time. The first episode sets the tone for what’s to come: depicting a gritty encounter between British soldiers and civilians at the Northern Irish border—an intense opening that resonates with historical context and social commentary. This approach not only engages viewers but also encourages them to reflect upon societal issues through the lens of drama.

The anthology format means that you can jump into any episode without needing prior context about previous installments. This accessibility makes Screen Two perfect for binge-watching or casual viewing alike; whether you have an hour or an evening free, there’s something here for everyone. Fans of other acclaimed shows like BBC Drama, On the Edge (2018), or even theater-inspired pieces like Great British Theatre will find comfort in familiar themes while discovering new dimensions in storytelling through this series.

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