Small Prophets

Best Series Award, International Panorama, Series Mania 2026
Best Actress Award for Lauren PATEL, International Panorama, Series Mania 2026

A man set adrift since the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend Clea seven years ago. When his father Brian recalls an ancient alchemic recipe, Michael decides to take a chance on uncovering the truth by creating magical spirits that can predict the future. With help from his friend Kacey he grows the creatures in his shed, hoping that they’ll answer his burning question: will he ever see Clea again? But as the spirits come to life, they trigger a strange series of events

Our take

With Small Prophets, Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists) proves he is the undisputed master of the sublime ordinary. In this fantasy-tinged tale, he leads us into a Manchester cul-de-sac where a broken-hearted protagonist seeks answers through alchemy. Starring the legendary Michael Palin and breakout star Lauren Patel, this spellbinding narrative brings together everyday absurdity and a magical realism of infinite tenderness. A luminous series on grief and hope, reminding us that wonder can simply hide in the back of a garden shed.