Channel 4 has unveiled a first-look teaser for its upcoming psychological thriller Hunting Alice Bell, confirming the six-part series will air this autumn. The drama, created by David Baddiel and Peter Bradshaw, explores themes of mob mentality, misogyny, and identity.
Trailer Reveals Tense Opening
In the brief teaser, a group of women stand in a circle, each declaring in turn, 'I am not Alice Bell.' The clip raises the question: is one of them concealing the truth to protect their genuine identity? A photograph shows Fran clutching a box of possessions while brandishing a passport with a terrified expression, presumably attempting to verify she is who she claims to be. Another shot captures the women seated with cameras trained on them, all appearing distinctly unimpressed with the situation that's brought them together.
Plot and Cast Details
Hunting Alice Bell charts the story of Fran Da Silva, portrayed by Alex Roach, whose world falls apart when she's accused of concealing her true identity and actually being a woman named Alice Bell. Alice was formerly a nurse, as well as being the accomplice and romantic partner of an infamous anaesthetist serial killer. While living in Britain under an assumed identity, Fran finds herself targeted by online accusations claiming she's the real Alice.
A synopsis for the forthcoming series states: 'Fran Da Silva is accused of being Alice Bell, her happy family life implodes in a wave of mob hate. Then she discovers she's not the only woman to suffer this fate. Fran and the other accused women band together to fight back and clear their names. But as they battle to prove their innocence, what if one of the group is lying - and is the real Alice Bell...?'
The series features an impressive ensemble cast including Alex Roach, Amanda Abbington as Julie, Emily Barber as Vanessa, Ralf Little as Graham Hunte, Simon Pegg as Dr Jason Nash, Toni O'Rourke as Ros, Christina Bennington as Charlotte, and Rudi Dharmalingam as Nick.
Themes and Tone
A further description reads: 'Hunting Alice Bell is a psychological thriller built around a whodunnit with shades of family drama and social satire. It tells a story for our times: about misogyny, justice, the psychosis of the mob, and about how rumours spread and the devastating effects they cause. All within a story stuffed with cliffhangers, hunting the answer to one big question: who is Alice Bell?'
The series will premiere on Channel 4 this autumn.
