BBC Sounds

If you’re feeling lonely, just take some deep breaths…

Most people have felt lonely at some point in their lives – I’d be willing to bet that this increased significantly during the last couple of years, for obvious reasons.  As we learn that Christopher (voiced with heart by our new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa) hasn’t interacted with anyone in a month other than socially-distanced delivery people, his story is one we can relate to as he adopts a rescue puppy named Bonnie. The only trouble is, not all his neighbours are happy.

As we draw close to the end of this anxiety-triggering and chillingly inventive series, more threads are pulled together from previous episodes as Christopher’s grumpy night-shift working neighbour will be familiar to you. A heart-breaking loss, a vivid nightmare and a gruesome discovery only add to his trauma and feelings of isolation as he vows to stay awake, lest the ‘old hag’ of sleep paralysis finally crushes the breath from his lungs… but is it possible to stay awake for 6 days? Take a deep breath and let Alexa’s actual words sink in. Actual shivers, I’m telling you! One of the strongest episodes yet.

Verdict: Will we see what lies behind the door? Do we want to? 9/10

Claire Smith