How far would you go to escape your current life? A young woman faces daunting prospects for leaving her own world behind in “Death and Nightingales.” It’s a story that resonates on several levels, with rebellion, fighting to find your place, and even the burdens of family playing into the drama. The limited series is an adaptation of Eugene McCabe’s 1992 novel. While the project is new to American audiences, ‘Nightingales’ premiered to U.K. audiences in 2018.
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‘Nightingales’ is built around the performances of three in-demand actors. Matthew Rhys comes to the project with last year’s “Perry Mason” still drawing its fair share of critical raves. The star became a fan favorite with acclaimed performances in “The Americans” and “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” He’s joined by “The Fall” actor Jamie Dornan; international audiences got to see Dornan show off his comedic skills in this year’s “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” The latter proved to be a departure for the performer, but one that audiences surprisingly embraced. At the heart of the show is actress Ann Skelly. Her role carries the entire weight of the drama, something Skelly has successfully navigated on series like “The Nevers” and “Vikings.”
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Allan Cubitt takes on writing, directing, and executive producer credit for the three-episode run. The multi-hyphenate did many of the same roles when crafting the “The Fall.” It’s no coincidence that Cubitt sought out ‘Fall” star Dornan to join this series in a leading role. The pairing worked to produce one of the decade’s biggest hits for the BBC.
The series’ official synopsis:
Set over a desperately tense 24-hour period, it’s Beth Winters’ (Ann Skelly) 23rd birthday – the day she has decided to join the charming Liam Ward (Jamie Dornan) and escape from her limited life and difficult Protestant landowner stepfather Billy (Matthew Rhys). As decades of pain and betrayal build to a devastating climax, “Death and Nightingales” is a powerful and gripping drama that follows a woman struggling to control her own destiny and will illuminate tensions that tear both families and nations apart.
The Starz limited series “Death and Nightingales” premieres Sunday, May 16th at 10 pm EST. Get your first look at the series below.
