Anya Taylor-Joy, who catapulted into stardom with her Netflix debut in "The Queen's Gambit," is making a triumphant return to the streaming giant to headline a gripping series adaptation of Bella Mackie's smash hit novel, "How to Kill Your Family." Unveiled with excitement at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Wednesday, this eight-episode thriller promises to captivate audiences as Taylor-Joy embodies the enigmatic and murderous protagonist, Grace Bernard.
Grace's narrative is a tapestry woven with family complexities. Her father, Simon Artemis, a billionaire with a ruthless ambition for social ascension, claims to have forgotten the affair that birthed Grace, leaving her and her mother to fend for themselves in life's harsh realities. When tragedy strikes and her mother passes away, Grace finds herself spurned by those who ought to embrace her. This rejection fuels a fiery rage within her, transforming into a macabre quest: to eliminate her estranged, wealthy family members through ingeniously twisted means. Grace's journey, a twisted dance between vengeance and the pursuit of a substantial inheritance, only serves to alienate her further from what truly matters.
This collaboration marks a milestone union between Netflix and Sid Gentle Films Ltd., the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed "Killing Eve." Emma Moran, the visionary behind "Extraordinary," steps in as lead writer and executive producer, joined by Taylor-Joy herself as an EP through her LadyKiller Productions Inc. Sally Woodward Gentle, Lizzie Rusbridger, and Lee Morris from Sid Gentle also serve as executive producers, while Mackie holds the title of co-executive producer.
"The moment I finished the novel, I knew I had to be a part of breathing life into this captivating tale," Taylor-Joy enthused in a statement. "After a (harmless) pursuit to connect with the extraordinary Bella Mackie, I am overjoyed to collaborate with the remarkable trio of Sally, Lizzie, and Emma. I am eagerly anticipating diving deeper into the darkness with this team."
Mackie echoed her excitement, saying, "Witnessing my characters come alive under the guidance of this exceptional creative ensemble has been nothing short of exhilarating. Anya embodies Grace to perfection; at times, I feel she understands her character even better than I do. Partnering with Sid Gentle has been a joyride, and the introduction of Emma has reassured me that my book is in the most capable hands."
