If you only remember An Inspector Calls as the book you had to study for GCSE English, it’s time to give it a second look. And if you’ve never seen it? Clear your evening.
The BBC’s 2015 adaptation (frequently available on BBC iPlayer) takes J.B. Priestley’s classic drawing-room thriller and turns it into a claustrophobic, gut-wrenching masterpiece that feels more relevant today than ever.
Here is why you should press play right now. bbc iplayer an inspector calls
Forget stiff acting and wobbly sets. This version, directed by Aisling Walsh, stars David Thewlis as the mysterious Inspector Goole. Thewlis (known to Harry Potter fans as Professor Lupin) doesn’t just play the Inspector—he inhabits him. He is quiet, surgical, and terrifying. He doesn't need to shout; his silences are loud enough to shatter the champagne glasses on the Birling’s table.
The success of An Inspector Calls often hinges on the actor playing the Inspector. David Thewlis offers a radical departure from the traditional "magisterial" or ghostly interpretations. His Goole is unassuming, almost invisible, blending into the wallpaper of the opulent house. Guilt, Greed, and a Doorbell: Why You Need
Thewlis plays the role with a chilling lack of aggression. He does not shout; he whispers. He does not threaten; he simply asks questions. This makes him infinitely more terrifying than a shouting authority figure. His stillness acts as a mirror, reflecting the Birlings' growing panic back at them. He occupies the space like a moral infection, spreading guilt simply by standing in the corner of the frame. This interpretation aligns with the theory that the Inspector is a supernatural force of conscience, but Thewlis grounds him in a creepy, mundane realism that makes the supernatural ending all the more jarring.
The last ten minutes of this adaptation are a masterclass in editing. The sound design warps. The lighting shifts from naturalistic to expressionist. You will likely rewind the final monologue three times just to catch the chills running down your spine. The Guardian: 4/5 – “Thewlis is a superb
BBC iPlayer currently carries the 2015 television film adaptation of J.B. Priestley’s classic play.
Sometimes, iPlayer may also host stage productions (e.g., from the BBC’s Performance Live series or Stephen Daldry’s National Theatre production, though the latter is more often on NT at Home rather than iPlayer). The 1954 film with Alastair Sim is not typically on iPlayer but may appear occasionally.