Tom Hiddleston's Pompeii documentary drama: Reviewer says it's so cringey you might turn to cheese

The Guardian has published a review of National Geographic's documentary drama 'Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston'. Critic Rachel Aroha notes that the series, in which Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston explores the destruction of Pompeii in AD 79, is packed with emotion and lofty expressions that may evoke both laughter and discomfort among viewers.

The documentary drama blends factual content with dramatized scenes, CGI effects, and Hiddleston's presence across all three episodes. He describes Pompeii's destruction as 'a single day that are the most harrowing anyone on this Earth has ever experienced' and concludes: 'A day. A chance.'

The actor reveals he visited Pompeii in 1998 at age 17 with friends, an experience that inspired him to learn Latin, study classics, and pursue acting to 'bring people back'.

Throughout the program, Hiddleston meets various experts, including Professor Steven L. Tuck, labeled on screen as 'Helpful Classicist'. Together they seek three Pompeian inhabitants whose stories can be traced to the eruption day. The actor translates ancient inscriptions himself and attempts to 'walk alongside' these people using acting techniques.

The reviewer notes that Hiddleston's overly emotional approach sometimes borders on 'cheese' or overdone cliché, but acknowledges the series might appeal to less cynical viewers interested in learning more about the ancient world. She concludes the documentary drama is entertaining but exhausting due to the constant potential for awkwardness.