Channel 4's new series Trespasses, adapted from Louise Kennedy's 2022 novel, brings a tale of forbidden love to the screen against the backdrop of the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland. The four-episode drama centres on Cushla, a young Catholic woman played by Lola Petticrew, who embarks on a secret affair with Michael Agnew, an older Protestant lawyer known for defending IRA suspects.
Set in 1975 in a small town outside Belfast, the series explores the tensions of the era as Cushla juggles caring for her alcoholic mother Gina (Gillian Anderson), teaching at a Catholic school, and helping run the family pub. Her relationship with Michael, who is married, challenges societal norms and puts her family at risk as his political work becomes increasingly controversial.
Petticrew, who uses they/them pronouns, delivers a captivating performance that balances innocence and cynicism, making Cushla a compelling protagonist. Tom Cullen portrays Michael as a tragic ideological hero, while Gillian Anderson's performance as the doom-laden mother occasionally tips into cliché. The series, directed by Dawn Shadforth, is noted for its lovingly recreated period detail and an unusually sexy tone for terrestrial television.
While the Troubles have been a frequent backdrop for coming-of-age stories, Trespasses stands out for its grown-up approach and Petticrew's star-making turn. The show's title hints at themes of forgiveness, and its erotic elements add spice to the narrative. Petticrew, who previously starred in Say Nothing, is poised for Hollywood success following this performance.
