There are only 4 episodes, a tense plot and the main role played by deaf actor Matthew Gurney — not for show, but because that's what the script intended. The result? 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and rave reviews even from skeptics.
What is the series about?
Daniel Brennan (Gurney) gets out of prison after 10 years in prison — and discovers that he was betrayed by everyone: family, friends, even the deaf community to which he belonged. Now he wants revenge, but his path is not "shooting with a silencer." Everything here is based on gestures, looks and silence, which is more oppressive than screams.
Starring:
- Eddie Marsan (Gentlemen, ) is not the main character, but his character is key to the plot.
- Rose Ayling-Ellis (the first deaf actress in Doctor Who) plays Brennan's sister.
- Anne-Marie Duff (Shameless) is a mother who disowned her son.
Why is this a breakthrough?
Sign language is not a "gadget" here. Dialogues in BSL (British sign language) are not translated with subtitles — the viewer must watch their hands and facial expressions, just like the characters.
Gurney himself is not a "victim." His Brennan is an embittered, complicated man who breaks stereotypes about "cute deaf people." Well, silence is used here in a special way. The sound in the series does not disappear — it is distorted when Brennan's world is shown, creating an alienating effect.
The creators emphasize that the series was filmed with the participation of deaf actors and consultants in order to avoid cliches. This, according to Collider reviewers, is what makes it revolutionary for the industry.
