Vera icon Brenda Blethyn reveals importance of emotional new role – and gives her verdict on cosy crime trend

by

Beloved actress Brenda Blethyn has discussed how meaningful her part is in the new British movie, Dragonfly.

Paul Andrew Williams wrote and directed this film, which explores the growing problem of loneliness in the UK. It centers on a woman, played by Andrea Riseborough, who becomes concerned about the poor care her elderly neighbor (Blethyn) is receiving. She starts checking in on him, and the two develop a surprising friendship.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Brenda Blethyn explained that modern technology can sometimes leave older people feeling isolated and lacking genuine connection with others.

She reminisced about how people used to eagerly await letters from loved ones delivered by the postman. She pointed out how communication has changed drastically over time – from handwritten letters to phone calls, then emails, texts, and now just emoticons. She questioned the meaning of simple responses like a thumbs-up sent via mobile phone, wondering what it truly conveys.

Back when letters stopped being the main way to communicate, at least we had the telephone for real conversations. Now, everything is different with new technology, and many older people struggle to understand it all.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Brenda Blethyn, and I think most people recognize her as Vera. It was so sad to see that incredible show, which she led brilliantly for fourteen years, finally wrap up in January. It truly felt like the end of an era!

When asked about the popularity of gentle mystery novels in Britain, like ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and ‘Murder Before Evensong’, actress Brenda Blethyn described them as a pleasant distraction, joking they’re like a sleep aid. However, she added that she doesn’t find them particularly stimulating or intellectually challenging – they simply aren’t demanding enough.

She admitted she doesn’t enjoy excessive violence or sex in movies and television. While she feels depictions of sex are slightly less disturbing than violence, she generally finds both uncomfortable to watch, explaining it’s not about being overly modest, but rather a preference for avoiding things she wouldn’t typically encounter in everyday life.

Brenda Blethyn will appear in a new Channel 4 adaptation of ‘A Woman of Substance’ next year, with Jessica Reynolds, known for her work in ‘House of Guinness’.

Watch the trailer for Dragonfly below:

Read More

2025-10-27 15:07