First Look: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Anne-Marie Duff in BBC Revenge Thriller Reunion

As a movie buff, I can’t help but share my excitement about the first glimpses of “Reunion,” an upcoming bilingual revenge thriller from BBC. This captivating production will seamlessly blend British Sign Language (BSL) with spoken English, making it accessible and intriguing for everyone!

Last year saw the initial announcement of this series, but now, we get our first peek at the show featuring the main cast in full swing. The talented individuals gracing our screens include Anne-Marie Duff (from Bad Sisters), Rose Ayling-Ellis (known for EastEnders), Matthew Gurney (recognized as Name Me Lawand), and Lara Peake (who stars in Rivals).

As a cinema aficionado, I can’t help but appreciate how these visuals don’t just preview upcoming sequences, but also masterfully incorporate British Sign Language (BSL) throughout the entire series. This innovative approach to narration is both invigorating and significant, adding depth and inclusivity to the storytelling experience.

The series was penned by William Mager, who is a deaf author hailing from Sheffield, and it’s often labeled as an emotionally charged suspense story about vengeance and salvation.

The story will trace the path of Daniel Brennan (Gurney), a resilient and determined individual who is deaf, as he sets out to correct past mistakes and discover the real facts about the circumstances that landed him in prison.

The summary goes on to describe Brennan as a character wrestling with his existence in a tug-of-war between two realms, finding it difficult to fit seamlessly into the hearing society while also facing rejection from his confidants and the broader deaf community due to his despicable act.

In the midst of his solitude, Brennan maintains a significant connection with his long-estranged daughter, Carly (Peake). They haven’t exchanged words since his imprisonment more than a decade back.

Additionally, the ensemble features Anne-Marie Duff portraying the role of Christine, Eddie Marsan known for his work in “Back to Black” playing her protective partner Stephen Renworth, and Rose Ayling-Ellis appearing as their daughter Miri.

It’s evident that a significant conflict is brewing between Christine and Brennan, as Christine is urgently seeking him out to uncover the complete truth about his actions.

But will she be able to find him, and what will she do if she does?

After the unveiling of the photos, main actor Gurney commented: “The storyline for Reunion is truly captivating and stands apart from anything I’ve done before.

In an unusual turn from typical deaf life experiences, my character Brennan embarks on a unique journey that has earned him disfavor within the deaf community. This reflects a man who is widely disliked among the deaf community.

This production accurately portrays the responses and actions of deaf characters on screen in a genuine and authentic manner. Unlike hearing actors, we are more adept at telling stories visually. It’s not just about relying on sound; instead, it’s about using your eyes to perceive the narrative unfolding.

Peake likewise added: “Reunion offers much that people can connect with, ranging from its relatable characters and plot to the sensation of being excluded from a group and then accepted into one.

It’s amazing to see shows starring deaf actors, and it’s rare to encounter sign language in media. Watching these performances offers a unique chance to learn and get engrossed in their culture.

Initially announcing the series in February 2024, writer Mager shared his aspirations for his “mystery thriller” to enlighten viewers about the experience of being deaf, avoiding common stereotypes such as portraying sign language as deeply poetic or depicting a silent world.

Currently, there’s no set date for when the series Reunion will air, but rest assured, it is planned to stream on BBC One and iPlayer once it’s ready.

2025-02-20 15:35

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