In Focus: The Death of Bunny Munro series

The Death of Bunny Munro (Season 1, UK, 2025) is a dark comedy series. This show is based on a 2009 fiction novel of the same title by Nick Cave. Notably, this adult-themed grim humour drama takes an honest but tragic look at the idea of masculinity and other taboo subjects. So, viewers’ discretion is advised.

This series contains the depiction of drug abuse, very strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, and themes of suicide.

Spoiler-Free Review: The Death of Bunny Munro (S1/2025) Series

Synopsis

After the death of his wife, Bunny Munro (Matt Smith), a travelling salesman of beauty products who is addicted to sex and considers himself a lothario, takes his young son on a disordered sales expedition across Brighton and beyond, where he must confront the type of man and father he really is.

Storyline

Following the devastating loss of his wife, Libby (Sarah Greene), to suicide, Bunny (Matt Smith) is unexpectedly tasked with the care of his young son, Bunny Junior (Rafael Mathé), possessing only a loose idea of how to parent.

Together with nine-year-old Bunny Junior, he begins an adventurous and ever-more unruly road trip throughout Southern England, as they both strive to cope with their grief in different fashions. As Bunny moves from one sales pitch to another, trying to enchant any woman he meets, Bunny Junior occupies himself by talking to his mother’s ghost, diverting his thoughts from the growing realisation that his father is not just flawed, but a total mess. On the other hand, as Bunny spirals downward, he realises that he must take steps to save his son from his own traditional notions of masculinity.

When his strange expedition culminates in a final reckoning, and he becomes uncertain about what is real and what is merely illusion, Bunny finally starts to recognise the affection he has for his son.

Moreover, he sees that the spectres of his world, aged fathers, wrathful ghosts, envious spouses, and horned psychopaths, hiding in the shadows, waiting to collect their due.

Insightful Theme

To be honest, “The Death of Bunny Munro” is not an easy series to watch. As it is not only about the death of Bunny, there is so much more. Although this poignant show is based on a fictional novel, the sad and shocking stories seem so real. All those who have dealt with immense pain and the tragic death of loved ones in their lives might find it to be a relatable tale. They might identify on a deeply personal level with the grief and bleakness that both the father-son “Bunny” duo (check their picture shared at the top) suffer.

It is as if someone has set their loving family home on fire, thereby destroying everything good in their lives.

But, still, there is hope for a better future. Isn’t it?

Yes, definitely.

However, one must possess qualities like resilience and perseverance.

Characters & Actors

It is worth repeating, this tragic comedic tale touches upon the ideas of toxic masculinity widely prevalent in the modern age.

It primarily focuses on the lives and relationships of three main characters, namely, husband Bunny Munro (Matt Smith), wife Libby (Sarah Greene), and the kid Bunny Junior (Rafael Mathé). Although there is a fourth key character too, Poodle (Johann Myers), the so-called mate, friend and colleague of Bunny Munro.

The character of the protagonist, Bunny Munro, is that of a deeply flawed and extremely selfish man. However, the heart-wrenching and ill-fated deaths of his loved ones completely shatter Bunny. He becomes aware of his failings. From a happy-go-lucky man, he becomes a self-destructive man. A tragic figure indeed. Even his young kid, Bunny Junior (Rafael Mathé), has travelled on the same road and almost experienced a similar (if not more) grief as his father. In the midst of the loss and misfortune, the smart kid, Bunny Junior, too, began to see the shortcomings of his father and grandfather.

In the Episodes Summary (spoilers) shared below, check out the titles of each episode. The title depicts how Bunny, as a MAN, tries to wear different hats and play a role. But then, he recognises that he has failed as a son, father, husband, friend, salesman, etc. So, is there a redemption for him?

Matt Smith (Bunny Munro has really portrayed this character with a damaged personality impressively. We also liked the performance of the young child actor, Rafael Mathé (Bunny Junior). Both Sarah Greene (Libby) and Johann Myers (Poodle) were good, too. Though both of them had limited screen time.

FM Rating

Conclusion

In addition to its emotional story and superb performances, the other highlight of “The Death of Bunny Munro” series is the use of excellent background music to set the mood of the story. Moreover, this thought provoking series pokes quite a few serious and amusing holes into the so-called manhood and machismo.

Poster (official)

Key Details

Australian singer/songwriter Nick Cave previously lived in Brighton & Hove on the south coast of England, and the book takes place in several locations along the south coast, including Brighton, Seaford, Newhaven, Worthing, and Eastbourne. Filming has taken place in all of these locations.

(Info. Source: IMDb)

Trailer (official)

Matt Smith Explores Bunny Munro’s WILD Journey | Behind the Scenes | The Death of Bunny Munro | Sky TV | YouTube

Episodes Summary | Spoiler Alert

After losing his wife, sex-addicted salesman Bunny Munro struggles with raising his young son while barely grasping the basics of parenthood.

Seeking relief from grief, Bunny finds solace in seducing customers while Libby's visits bring comfort to Junior.

Bunny and Junior's road trip hits a snag when he loses his client list after sleeping with a customer.

Bunny tries to make the money he needs to get back to Junior. Meanwhile, Junior gets a sense of what a normal life looks like.

During a troubled visit to Bunny Senior, Bunny starts acting more and more unstable.

At the sales expo, Bunny confronts his past and seeks redemption from people he wronged.

Lastly, also check out the FM Series Review of "Bad Sisters" (Season 2/UK/2024), another dark comedy from the UK.
Wherein, the actress Sarah Greene played the memorable character of Bibi Garvey in the show.

Poster & Featured Image of The Death of Bunny Munro | Pictures Credit: Sky