Fleming

Set at the outbreak of WWII – mischievous playboy Ian Fleming is untroubled by the specter of impending war – chasing women, collecting rare books and living off his family fortune. Forever in the shadow of his brother Peter, and an eternal disappointment to his formidable mother Eve, Fleming dreams of becoming the ‘ultimate’ man – a hero, a lover, a brute and the one who always gets the girl. He is finally given some direction in his life when he’s recruited by the Director of Naval Intelligence to help in the effort against the Nazis. Suddenly, Fleming finds his chance to shine and prove his worth.

Fleming (2014) is a British four-episode limited series created for Sky Atlantic, a Ecosse Films production that dramatizes the early life of the novelist who would later invent James Bond. Dominic Cooper plays Ian Fleming, a mischievous playboy who chases women, collects rare books and lives off his family fortune at the outbreak of the Second World War. Lesley Manville plays his formidable mother Evelyn, whose disappointment shadows him, while Rupert Evans plays his brother Peter, the sibling he feels forever overshadowed by. Samuel West appears as Rear Admiral John Godfrey, the Director of Naval Intelligence who recruits Fleming into the effort against the Nazis. The engine of the story is Fleming's restless desire to become the ultimate man, a hero and a lover, and his chance to prove himself in a wartime intelligence service. Each of the four hour-long episodes moves through London society, country estates and clandestine operations, with the glamour of pre-war privilege giving way to the grind of espionage. The tone is glossy and wry, with period detail and undercurrents of unease about collaboration and occupation. Fans of The Crown, Bletchley Circle and Berlin Station will find resonance in its blend of British period elegance and wartime intrigue.

Audience reception is positive but modest, with the miniseries praised as a stylish, entertaining take on Ian Fleming's wartime years.

• The Crownshared british period drama tone, wartime intelligence setting, biographical take on a real figure
• Berlin Stationshared 1940s british secret service intrigue and wartime espionage flavor
• Bletchley Circleshared wwii era espionage with charming protagonist and historical figures

Release Date

2014-01-29

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

7.2 / 10 (61)

What is Fleming about?

A playboy idler at the outbreak of World War II is pulled into British naval intelligence and must prove his worth against the Nazis.

What is Fleming like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Fleming as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Fleming violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Fleming as mild.

What did critics think of Fleming?

Audience reception is positive but modest, with the miniseries praised as a stylish, entertaining take on Ian Fleming's wartime years.

Which shows are like Fleming?

Shows with a similar feel include The Crown, Berlin Station, and Bletchley Circle.

How long is Fleming?

Fleming: 1 season, 4 episodes.

Is Fleming still running?

No, Fleming has ended.

Where can I watch Fleming?

In United States, Fleming is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home.