The BBC has unveiled captivating first-glance snapshots from its forthcoming four-episode edge-of-your-seat thriller, "Reunion," starring Matthew Gurney, Lara Peake, Anne-Marie Duff, Eddie Marsan, and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Penned by the talented Sheffield-native deaf writer, William Mager, and brought to life by Sheffield-based Warp Films for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, with its premiere just around the corner, "Reunion" is a bilingual masterpiece shot amidst the scenic vistas of Sheffield and its surroundings, seamlessly blending British Sign Language (BSL) with spoken English.
"These emotionally charged first looks, framed against the breathtaking backdrop of Sheffield and the Peak District, offer a tantalizing preview of the lead actors in their compelling roles," enthused the BBC.
Last year, THR gained exclusive access to the set of "Reunion," a gripping tale of vengeance and redemption centered on Daniel Brennan, portrayed by Gurney (of "Name Me Lawand" and "Theatre Ad Infinium" fame). As a deaf individual driven to rectify his past misdeeds while uncovering the truth behind the events that landed him behind bars, Brennan finds himself stranded between two realms – unable to fully assimilate into the hearing world and rejected by both his closest deaf friends and the broader deaf community.
According to the synopsis, "Amidst his isolation, Brennan's sole meaningful bond is with his estranged daughter Carly, played by Lara Peake (star of "How to Have Sex" and "Rivals"), whom he hasn't spoken to since his arrest over a decade ago." Joining them are Anne-Marie Duff ("Bad Sisters," "The Salisbury Poisonings") as Christine, relentless in her quest to locate Brennan and uncover the complete truth about his actions; Eddie Marsan ("Back to Black," "Ray Donovan") as Christine's protective beau, Stephen Renworth; and Rose Ayling-Ellis ("Summer of Rockets," "As You Like It") as their daughter, Miri.
Gurney remarked, "'Reunion' boasts an incredible narrative, a stark departure from my previous work. My character Brennan undertakes a journey vastly different from the typical deaf experience – he's despised within the deaf community. It authentically and honestly portrays how deaf individuals react and behave on screen. We deaf actors are distinct from our hearing counterparts; we're visual storytellers par excellence, not reliant on sound but on the power of our eyes to capture the essence of the story."
Peake added, "'Reunion' resonates deeply with viewers, from its relationships and plotline to the feelings of isolation and belonging within a community. Witnessing a show led by deaf actors is nothing short of remarkable, and the inclusion of sign language remains a rare gem. It's an extraordinary experience."
Directed by Luke Snellin ("One Day," "Wanderlust"), who also doubles as executive producer, the four hour-long episodes of "Reunion" feature Helen Ostler ("The Last Kingdom," "Crime") as producer and Siobhan Morgan ("Waterloo Road," "Hollyoaks") as associate producer. Executive producers for Warp Films include Mark Herbert ("Four Lions," "The Virtues," "This Is England") and Gwen Gorst ("Unforgotten," "A Discovery of Witches"), alongside creator and writer Mager, with Rebecca Ferguson and Jo McClellan fulfilling those roles for the BBC.
BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally, unveiling it to the global audience at Series Mania in Lille, France, this March.
