A New Perspective on Love and Conflict
Love, as many poets have suggested, is often inconvenient. It has a way of blooming in the most challenging times and between the most unexpected people. This fundamental tension lies at the heart of romantic dramas, from classics like Gone with the Wind to more recent stories such as The Summer I Turned Pretty. The backdrop of 20th-century Ireland, particularly during the Troubles, offers a rich and evocative setting for exploring these themes. Now, the new Channel 4 series Trespasses brings this era to life through the story of Cushla, a young woman navigating love, family, and political strife.
Setting the Scene
Set in 1975, during the height of the Troubles, the series follows Cushla (Lola Petticrew), who lives in a small town outside Belfast. She balances her responsibilities by caring for her alcoholic mother, Gina (Gillian Anderson), teaching at a Catholic school, and helping her brother manage their family pub. It is here that she first meets Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), a smooth-talking lawyer known for defending young men accused of being part of the IRA. Their relationship quickly turns into an affair that challenges the social norms of 1970s Ireland, not only because they come from different sides of the sectarian divide but also because Michael is married.
Cushla’s defiance is clear when she tells her mother, “I’m a grown woman who’s entitled to a private life.” However, as Michael’s political activities become increasingly controversial, Cushla faces the growing danger her relationship poses to her entire family.
A Thoughtful Adaptation
Based on Louise Kennedy’s 2022 novel, Trespasses is a four-episode series that showcases a tight narrative and elegant storytelling. Lola Petticrew, who uses they/them pronouns, previously starred in the adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe’s Say Nothing, which explored the same turbulent period. Here, they continue to solidify their reputation as one of the country's most talented young actors.
Cushla is portrayed as a complex character, caught between innocence and cynicism. At times, she seems aware of the historical context surrounding her (“I’d rather art without the suffering,” she quips about her suitor’s romantic ideals), yet she also behaves like a teenager, lingering by the telephone. This duality is handled with care, making her both relatable and compelling. Tom Cullen’s performance as Michael adds another layer, portraying him as a tragic figure who defends causes others find indefensible.
A Familiar Setting with Fresh Insights
The Troubles have long been a popular setting for coming-of-age stories, seen in shows like Derry Girls, films such as Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, and books like Anna Burns’ Milkman. While some may attribute this trend to the success of Irish writers or the appeal of a Romeo and Juliet-style dynamic, Trespasses offers a fresh take. Under the direction of Dawn Shadforth, the series is filled with meticulously recreated period details. Although it occasionally veers into cliché—such as Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of a doom-laden drunk—it balances this with a sincere and heartfelt tone.
More Than Just a Love Story
While Cushla serves as a likeable and gentle protagonist, the title of the show hints at something deeper: Forgive us our trespasses. This phrase suggests a broader exploration of guilt, morality, and the consequences of actions. Trespasses is unusually sexy for a terrestrial drama, with moments of light eroticism that add a unique spice to the mix. For instance, Cushla teasingly whispers, “You have a Fenian fetish,” as she and Michael lie on the floor of his hidden room. The show manages to maintain a delicate balance, keeping Michael’s questionable behavior at arm’s length while still offering a mature and thoughtful narrative.
A Distinctive Contribution
Despite the well-trodden ground of depicting the Troubles, Trespasses stands out due to its quality and depth. With strong performances from Petticrew and Cullen, and considering the growing popularity of young Irish actors in Hollywood, it’s likely that Petticrew will soon be lighting up screens beyond the UK. Their portrayal elevates the series, transforming it into a compelling meditation on love, identity, and the choices that shape our lives.
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