The critically acclaimed six-part drama The Death of Bunny Munro has concluded on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW, delivering a powerful finale that leaves viewers grappling with its profound themes. Starring Matt Smith in the lead role, the series has captivated audiences since its release.
A Critically Acclaimed Adaptation
Based on Nick Cave's 2009 novel, the series has been praised as a darkly comic and unflinching modern parable. It tenderly portrays the complex relationship between a father and his son. The show boasts an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting the stellar performances from its cast.
The Upcoming applauded the acting, calling the tale "darkly funny, intriguingly weird, and often devastating." The London Evening Standard noted that without Smith's "perversely compelling" performance, the series might have been too twisted. Empire described it as a "slippery, off-kilter beast" and praised Smith's "deranged, thoroughly unhinged performance."
The cast features newcomer Rafael Mathé as Bunny Junior, alongside renowned actors Sarah Greene from Bad Sisters, Johann Myers from The Wheel of Time, and Robert Glenister from Sherwood.
What is The Death of Bunny Munro About?
Following the suicide of his wife, Libby, sex addict and door-to-door salesman Bunny Munro finds himself responsible for his nine-year-old son, Bunny Junior. With only a loose concept of parenting, Bunny embarks on an epic, out-of-control road trip across Southern England.
As the two struggle with their grief in vastly different ways, Bunny bounces from one sales pitch to the next, attempting to seduce every woman he meets. Meanwhile, Bunny Junior distracts himself by talking to the ghost of his mother, slowly realising his father isn't just fallible, but a complete mess. As Bunny spirals further, he faces a critical choice: rescue his son from his own toxic masculinity or let everything fall apart.
The Finale Breakdown: Confronting Demons
Warning: Major spoilers for episode six ahead.
The concluding episode opens with a grieving Bunny reflecting on happier times with his late wife, Libby. When Bunny and Junior finally arrive at the Beauty Expo, they learn the Horned Killer has been caught, but Bunny knows the real threat remains. "I know, he's coming for me," he confesses.
In a pivotal moment, Bunny shares a heartfelt conversation with Junior about Libby's extraordinary nature. Tormented by a recurring cement mixer lorry, Bunny this time allows it to strike him, forcing a direct confrontation with his inner demons.
This triggers a surreal sequence where Bunny encounters all the women he has mistreated throughout his life. He then takes to a stage, where he performs a desperate apology to Libby. She informs him he is at a party and is inappropriately dressed to accompany her. As the women depart, Libby delivers the crushing blow that this moment "isn't about him."
While this seems like the titular death, Bunny regains consciousness outside the expo, covered in blood. He experiences a moment of painful clarity about his son, admitting he is incapable of caring for him and that Junior must continue his journey alone.
In a symbolic end, Bunny enters the water, the misogynist finally perishing and breaking his cycle of abuse. Bunny Junior is placed into foster care, beginning a new life free from his father's damaging legacy. Bunny ultimately dies from his wounds, alone and symbolically accepting the devil, knowing heaven is not his destination. The finale, however, offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Junior will now be spared from his father's tragic fate.
The Death of Bunny Munro is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
