Channel 4's 'moving' new period drama about forbidden love story hailed 'the best'

Daily Record

3 hours ago

Channel 4's new period drama starring Gillian Anderson is based off Louise Kennedy's 2022 best selling novel.
Channel 4 is set to release a brand new period drama which has already been branded as one of the "best". Trespasses starring Gillian Anderson is based on Louise Kennedy's 2022 novel of the same name and is set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.
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Starring alongside the X Files actress in the role of Gina, who's described as a 'glorious wreck', is Lola Petticrew, as the role of Gina's daughter, Cushla, who she is constantly sparring with. Tom Cullen, Martin McCann and Gerard McCarthy also star in the upcoming series, which wrapped up filming in Belfast in December last year.
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While a release date has not yet been set the show will be coming to Channel 4 later this year and it's already been hailed as 'the best' by Red Magazine reviewers. The broadcaster's synopsis reads: "1975, in a town outside Belfast.
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"Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla.
"Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
"In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright..."
Those who have read the book, which was also shortlisted for the Women's Prize 2023, have heaped praise among the novel with one fan describing it on Amazon as very "moving".
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Another reviewer said: "Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is an exceptionally well-written, intense novel. This is not an easy read, and you know from the very beginning that there can be no happy ending for these characters.
"The prose is direct and at times brutally honest while describing the societal distinctions, violence, divisiveness, bigotry and politics in Northern Ireland during the early years of the Troubles.
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"I was completely immersed in this novel. The authenticity shone forth and wrapped me in its spell. This is an extremely well-written book that presents both political and emotional complexities in the most straightforward of plots.
"There is nothing ornate or clever here, but the author's dedication to truthfulness and organicity broke my heart many times while stoking outrage and tenderness in equal measure."
A third described it as: "A passionate but everyday love affair has repercussions not just for Romeo and Juliet but contributes to both implosions and explosions for families, the community and Ireland at large. These are characters and narratives that are etched deeply into my gut. Thank you for this humble yet riveting masterpiece, Ms. Kennedy! Brava."
Trespasses will be available to stream on Channel 4 later this year.