Anne-Marie Duff Discusses Her New Series, Reunion
Anne-Marie Duff, known for her role in Bad Sisters, expresses her excitement about her latest venture, the revenge thriller Reunion. This gripping series immerses viewers in the deaf community and is set to premiere in the United Kingdom on Monday via the BBC and its iPlayer streaming platform.
A Broad Audience Reach
Duff highlights the significance of the show airing on the BBC, stating, “It’s the BBC, so you know, it’s going to be seen by everyone, not just people who can afford to pay streaming fees.” She emphasizes the rising costs associated with television viewing, making it imperative that entertainment remains accessible. “The idea that what we do can be impactful and that marginalized individuals can see their stories represented is a tremendous relief,” she adds.
A Bilingual Storytelling Approach
Reunion distinguishes itself as a bilingual series, featuring British Sign Language (BSL) alongside spoken English, thus enhancing its authenticity and reach.
Scheduled for its television debut on Monday evening on BBC One, the entire series is now accessible for streaming on iPlayer. Internationally, the series is being marketed by BBC Studios, which recently unveiled several promotional images.
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
According to a recent synopsis, Reunion tells the story of Daniel Brennan, portrayed by Gurney (of Name Me Lawand fame). After spending time in prison, Brennan, a deaf man, embarks on a quest to rectify past mistakes. He finds himself navigating a challenging position between two worlds: struggling to fit into the hearing community while also facing rejection from his peers in the deaf community.
Amid this turmoil, his only meaningful connection is with his estranged daughter, Carly, played by Lara Peake (featured in How to Have Sex and Rivals). The two have been apart since his arrest over a decade ago. Anne-Marie Duff takes on the role of Christine, who is determined to uncover the truth about Brennan’s past. Eddie Marsan (known for Back to Black and Ray Donovan) plays Christine’s protective boyfriend, Stephen Renworth, while Rose Ayling-Ellis (from Summer of Rockets and As You Like It) portrays her daughter, Miri.
Behind the Scenes
The hour-long episodes are directed by Luke Snellin, who also serves as the executive producer. Key production staff includes Helen Ostler (producer, known for The Last Kingdom and Crime) and Siobhan Morgan (associate producer, associated with Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks). Executive producers for Warp Films include Mark Herbert (Four Lions, This Is England) and Gwen Gorst (Unforgotten, A Discovery of Witches). The series is co-created and written by Mager, with Rebecca Ferguson and Jo McClellan as executive producers for the BBC.