Anna Friel and Anna Maxwell Martin are set to star in a new BBC drama written by Time creator Jamie McGovern.
The 90-minute drama, which has yet to be titled, will explore themes of sexual assault and abuse in the context of one family, the Mitchells, who must deal with the aftermath of an assault after the perpetrator — a relative — is released from prison.
The film stars Friel, who is known for her work in films such as “Marcella,” “Pushing Daisy” and “Maxwell Martin” from “Motherland,” alongside Bobby Schofield (“Time”), David Threlfall (“Nightsleeper”) and Mark Womack (“The Responder”).
More actors are set to be confirmed in due course.
Julia Ford (Showtrial) will direct. LA Productions (Broken) will produce. Donna Molloy is also a producer. McGovern is executive producing alongside Colin McEwen for LA Productions and Nauval Faizullah and Catherine Bond for the BBC.
McGovern is best known for creating a slew of popular dramas including “Cracker” and the prison series “Time” starring Sean Penn and Stephen Graham in the first season while the second season, set in a women's prison, stars Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey and Tamara Lawrence.
“I can't believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production,” McGovern said. “It's a tough film, yes, but I can't wait for it to come out.”
“This is a very difficult and sensitive subject, which Jamie McGovern has handled with intelligence and care,” McKeon added. “It is an honour to work with him again after the success of our previous collaboration on a single drama.”
Director Lindsay Salt, BBC Drama Director, said: “Jamie McGovern is one of our greatest dramatists, and a master of writing about today’s world. His new film sensitively addresses the pain of abuse and how it affects not just the victim but the whole family. To see this film on screen with such a high-level creative team is another testament to the quality of Jamie’s writing.”
The series is set to air in the UK on BBC One and iPlayer.
