Anjelica Huston to Lead Agatha Christie 'Towards Zero' Adaptation

Published: Jun 07 2024

Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston will headline a thrilling three-part adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic mystery novel, "Towards Zero," brought to life by the BBC and Britbox International. This captivating tale, set against the backdrop of England in 1936, revolves around British tennis star Nevile Strange (portrayed by Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and his ex-wife Audrey (played by Ella Lily Hyland), who embark on a journey to rekindle their past amidst a web of intrigue and danger.

Anjelica Huston to Lead Agatha Christie 'Towards Zero' Adaptation 1

As the two former sweethearts reunite at Gull's Point, their childhood home and the coastal estate belonging to Nevile's aunt, Lady Tressilian (embodied by Huston), they are forced to confront unresolved issues from their past. Adding further drama to the mix is Nevile's new wife Kay (Mimi Keene), whose presence only heightens the already tense atmosphere.

Rounding out the cast is a motley crew of intriguing characters, including a long-suffering lady's companion, a mysterious gentleman's valet, an exiled cousin harboring a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan, and a crafty French con man. Amidst this volatile mix of personalities, murder soon becomes a foreboding reality.

A troubled detective, tasked with untangling the tangled web of jealousy, deceit, and dysfunction, must rise to the challenge and solve the crime before another innocent victim meets their untimely end.

Rachel Bennette, a BAFTA-nominated writer, pens the screen adaptation of this captivating mystery, while Olivier-winning director Sam Yates helms the production. Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited are responsible for bringing this tale to life for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, in a collaboration with BritBox International. Fifth Season handles the global distribution of this thrilling adaptation, ensuring that audiences worldwide will have a chance to witness the unraveling of "Towards Zero's" mysterious plot.

In a statement, Huston expressed her profound admiration for Agatha Christie and the alluring genre of murder mysteries, noting that she has long been captivated by both. She further revealed her deep-seated love for filming in England, stating that it always provides her with a thrilling and immersive experience.

"I am ecstatic to be collaborating with director Sam Yates and this outstanding ensemble of actors," she enthused. "I am particularly excited to bring to life the clever and dignified character of Camilla, Lady Tressilian, whose complexities and nuances will be a delightful challenge to explore."

The series boasts an impressive cast, including Jackie Clune from "Motherland," Grace Doherty from "Call the Midwife," Jack Farthing from "Rain Dogs," Khalil Gharbia from "Mary & George," Adam Hugill from "Sherwood," Clarke Peters from "The Wire," Matthew Rhys from "The Americans," and Anjana Vasan from "Black Mirror: Demon 79."

James Prichard, executive producer for Agatha Christie Limited, added his thoughts on the production, stating, "This is indeed a very special production. Rachel has done a remarkable job of enhancing my great-grandmother's story, making it even more suspenseful, intense, and thought-provoking. With such a formidable cast, viewers are undoubtedly in for a truly unforgettable treat."

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