What unique perspective does "Reunion" offer regarding the experiences of deaf individuals? How does the show’s format contribute to a deeper understanding of communication challenges faced by its protagonist? In what ways does the narrative explore themes of justice and redemption in relation to the character Brennan? What can we learn about the importance of representation in the film and television industry from the production of this series?
Written and produced by deaf creator William Mager, Series Mania premiere “Reunion” never leaves its lead’s side.
“I’ve seen stories of deaf characters told from a hearing person’s point of view. This show says what it means to be a deaf person from the point of view of a deaf person,” says Luke Snellin, who directed the series.
“What is it like to sit in front of a probation officer, explaining you’re deaf? We would take the sound away or put the camera behind his head and over his ear – precisely to put the audience in his shoes.”
Mager adds: “When you are deaf, communication is difficult anyway. But it’s also difficult to talk about things that happened to you, things that are hard to process. It can be hard to open up.”
Especially for his tortured protagonist, played by Matthew Gurney: fresh out of prison after being found guilty of murder years ago. The tragedy left his community – and his family – reeling and begging for answers. But instead of explaining his motives, Brennan seeks justice. Alone.
Mager thought about classic ‘70s and ‘80s films when working on the story.
“In a classic thriller, a man gets out of prison and goes on a mission of revenge. These things feel familiar and watchable, and Brennan starts out as this ‘strong, silent type,’ but we play a trick: we start with one thing and then it becomes something different. Something more emotional, more heartfelt,” he explains.
Along the way, Brennan gets some company. He reunites with his daughter and has to face the child and the wife of his victim – and her new cop boyfriend (Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anne-Marie Duff and Eddie Marsan).
“At first, we don’t really know who Brennan is – he’s a mystery. Then we start to see more and more of his past. The hope is that the audience starts to understand his struggle and him being disabled by the system, really,” says Snellin.
“There are flashback fragments, all born out of Brennan’s fragmented memories. As he begins to open up, the images begin to align in order. He understands what really happened to him and learns to confront it.”
First bilingual series in both sign language and spoken language to be presented at France’s Series Mania, “Reunion” is a Warp Films production sold by BBC Studios.
“We didn’t want to make a show with deaf cast and a hearing crew. It really was a bilingual set,” explains producer Gwen Gorst.
“There’s always been a lot of love for the script and BBC got on board early. Whenever you try to do something different, for example in terms of bilingual elements, there’s a bit of trepidation. But we’ve been lucky. People embraced it.”
Mager agrees: “I’ve been on sets with only deaf cast and the crew looked bored. They were mentally and emotionally checked out – just not interested. Here, I saw people genuinely believing in the premise of the show.”
Casting so many deaf actors in the show made him proud, he reveals.
“When I watch the end credits, I get very emotional. I’ve known some of them for 20 years. But we also had fantastic hearing actors who wanted to be involved and learn sign language.”
Lara Peake, playing Brennan’s daughter, learnt it over the course of five weeks, says Stellin, crediting the interpreters as “key part of the process.”
“This job has changed my outlook on a number of things. It has changed my life, actually, and my perception of deaf community and deaf culture really shifted.”
Snellin also learnt to sign, underlines Merger.
“You threw yourself in it! You really understood the responsibility on your shoulders to do deaf community justice and make sure they were represented well. When deaf actors and deaf crew went out for drinks at the end of the shoot, Luke was there too.”
“Authenticity comes through so clearly on the screen and it was one of the reasons why BBC and BBC Studios backed it. It’s Billy’s writing, Luke’s directing and Warp’s distinctive cinematic style, all coming together,” said Nick Lee, commercial director of drama and comedy at BBC Studios, admitting there’s been “lots of interest from broadcasters in Europe.”
“It’s such a specific show. It’s this crime-thriller dynamic and one man’s journey of redemption with such relatable themes as prenatal love, clearing your name and seeking justice. We are very confident it’s going to travel.”
BBC Bows Revenge Thriller ‘Reunion’ at Series Mania
At the forefront of global television innovation and storytelling, the 2023 Series Mania festival in Lille, France, unveiled the BBC’s hotly anticipated revenge thriller, “Reunion.” In an era where compelling narratives are key to capturing audiences, this new series, created by acclaimed writer and director Sarah Williams, has ignited conversations regarding its nuanced portrayal of justice, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships.
“Reunion” centers around the life-altering ramifications of a traumatic event that reverberates through the lives of its central characters. The narrative kicks off with a seemingly innocuous high school reunion, where past friends and foes gather to reconnect. However, as the evening unfolds, it becomes evident that the reunion is more than just a nostalgic affair; it serves as the catalyst for long-buried secrets, unspoken grievances, and a deep-seated thirst for revenge that propels the story forward.
The series masterfully intertwines various perspectives, positioning the audience to experience events through the eyes of multiple characters as they grapple with their past decisions. At the heart of the narrative is the protagonist, Jenna (played by the captivating Sarah Lancashire), whose life spirals following the revelation of a betrayal linked to a tragic incident from her youth. Lancashire’s nuanced performance showcases her ability to portray a woman torn between the desires for closure and vengeance—a duality that many viewers may find relatable.
As Jenna navigates the emotional landscape of her past, the series juxtaposes her journey with that of her former friends, each harboring their own secrets that threaten to unravel the fragile threads of their relationships. The ensemble cast includes the promising talents of Aisling Bea, who portrays Kelly, Jenna’s former best friend whose actions during their formative years haunt her. Bea’s performance juxtaposes light-heartedness and gravity, reflecting Kelly’s struggle with guilt and her desire for absolution.
Series Mania, an international festival dedicated to celebrating the best of television, provided the perfect platform for “Reunion” to make its debut. The event drew attention not only for its showcase of top-tier productions but also for fostering a dialogue among creators and industry professionals about the evolving landscape of television. The screening of “Reunion” garnered an enthusiastic response from critics and audiences alike, who praised its intricate plot and psychological depth.
The theme of revenge is prevalent throughout the series, yet “Reunion” approaches this age-old trope with a fresh lens. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative of retribution, the show delves into the psychological implications of revenge on both the seeker and the target. In an exclusive Q&A session following the screening, Williams shared her vision for the series, emphasizing that revenge is not merely an act of getting back at someone but also a reflection of inner turmoil and unresolved conflict.
Critics have noted the show’s exquisite cinematography, which complements its narrative depth. Shot in a hauntingly beautiful yet relatable suburban landscape, the visuals of “Reunion” serve to accentuate the tensions simmering beneath the surface. The choice of settings—familiar yet subtly altered—mirrors the characters’ complicated relationships with their past, effectively enhancing the storytelling.
Another standout element of “Reunion” is its exploration of female friendships. Unlike many revenge narratives that focus predominantly on male protagonists, this series lifts the veil on the complexities of female bonds, capturing how competition, jealousy, and shared trauma can shape and ultimately dismantle relationships. Williams has crafted characters that reflect multifaceted women dealing with real-world dilemmas, offering a refreshing take in a genre often dominated by tropes.
Accompanying the thought-provoking storyline is an evocative score that heightens the emotional stakes of the series. Composed by the innovative musician Isobel Waller-Bridge, the music weaves seamlessly through the narrative, amplifying the tension and assisting in the character development of Jenna and her peers. Waller-Bridge’s work adds an auditory layer of complexity, intertwining with the themes of guilt, sorrow, and vengeance.
As the conversation around the importance of diverse storytelling continues, “Reunion” stands out as a testament to the transformative power of scripted television. By engaging audiences with relatable characters and intricately woven narratives, the series speaks to a generation wrestling with their pasts while looking to the future. With its gripping premise and dynamic storytelling, “Reunion” is undoubtedly positioned to become a significant player in the current television landscape.
As the credits rolled and audiences left the screening room, one thing became clear: “Reunion” is not just another revenge thriller—it’s a finely tuned exploration of the human psyche, the burden of the past, and the quest for personal redemption. It promises to keep viewers at the edge of their seats while fostering conversations about the moral complexities of revenge and forgiveness in the modern world. As it embarks on its journey to capture hearts and minds, “Reunion” is a reminder of the power of storytelling—and the unbreakable ties that bind us, despite the secrets we carry.
The BBC has unveiled its latest revenge thriller, “Reunion,” at the Series Mania festival. This gripping series promises to delve into themes of betrayal and the quest for justice, featuring a compelling storyline and a talented cast. The creators have aimed to capture the audience’s attention with intense plot twists and emotional depth. As the drama unfolds, viewers will be taken on a journey exploring the consequences of past actions and the impact of relationships strained by secrets and vengeance. The anticipation surrounding “Reunion” suggests it will be a significant addition to the thriller genre in television.