The BBC has revealed the first images from Reunion, a new four-part thriller starring Matthew Gurney, Lara Peake, Anne-Marie Duff, Eddie Marsan, and Rose Ayling-Ellis. The bilingual series, filmed in Sheffield, incorporates both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English.
Here’s the Lowdown: Reunion, written by deaf Sheffield native William Mager, tells the story of Daniel Brennan (played by Matthew Gurney), a deaf man recently released from prison. He seeks redemption and to uncover the truth about the events that led to his incarceration. Brennan is alienated from both the hearing and deaf communities, and his main connection is with his estranged daughter, Carly (Lara Peake).
What This Means Now: The release of these first-look images gives a taste of the show’s tone and setting, showing off Sheffield and the Peak District. The series is described as an “emotional thriller of revenge and redemption.” It highlights the inclusion of BSL and deaf actors in leading roles.
The Bigger Picture: Reunion is significant for its representation of deaf characters and the use of BSL. The series’ creator and lead actor are both deaf, promising an authentic portrayal. Anne-Marie Duff plays a character, Christine, seeking answers about Brennan’s past, alongside Eddie Marsan as her partner, Stephen, with Rose Ayling-Ellis as her daughter, Miri. The show is produced by Warp Films and will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One soon, but no actual premiere date has been given yet. BBC Studios will handle international distribution.
