Thriller Series Reunion Breaks New Ground For Sign Language Drama
There are dozens of thriller series on TV right now, but few have quite as unique a concept as the BBC’s new show Reunion, which features a mix of both spoken English and British Sign Language. The series follows Daniel Brennan (played by Matthew Gurney), a deaf man who is set on a path of redemption after being released from prison, as well as discovering the truth behind why he was imprisoned in the first place. Here’s all you need to know ahead of its release later this year.
What is Reunion about?
Having been convicted for a serious crime 10 years ago, Daniel Brennan is released from prison but has trouble reintegrating back into the outside world, as he heads home to Sheffield. Most of his friends, acquaintances and the deaf community have shunned him, his family is fractured, and his deafness means that he finds it even harder to return to normal life. Lara Peake (Rivals) plays Daniel’s estranged daughter Carly, with whom he still has a relationship, even though the two have not seen each other since his arrest, and Daniel strives to rebuild their bond. Carly is understandably hurt by what happened in the past, but he pledges to try and make amends, and is concerned for her welfare.
Meanwhile, Bad Sisters star Anne-Marie Duff plays Christine, a woman who is determined to find Daniel herself, as she’s sure there’s more to what happened 10 years ago and what he did than he knows. Alongside her is Eddie Marsan (Back to Black), who plays Christine’s highly protective boyfriend, while Eastender’s Rose Ayling-Ellis plays Christine’s daughter Marie. There are twists and turns as Daniel tries to piece together the whole truth of his crime and arrest, but Reunion is also very much about the relationships between Daniel and his daughter, as well as the deaf community.
What else do we know, and when can I watch?
Commenting on the series, actor Matthew Gurney explained that what sets Daniel apart is that he’s “on a wildly different journey than that portrayed by normal deaf lives, this portrays a man who is hated within the deaf community. It shows how deaf people react and act on screen in an honest and authentic way.” The series, which consists of four parts, is available on BBC iPlayer now – watch the official trailer below.
