Matthew Rhys’s Frown Lights Up Towards Zero
The American debut of the BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s 1944 novel “Towards Zero,” airing on Britbox from April 16 to 18, follows the classic Agatha Christie mystery formula. For readers of the book who seek accuracy, be advised that there are substantial differences in this version. The story unfolds at Gull’s Point, a coastal estate in 1936, owned by Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston) and her nephew, tennis star Nevile Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). The village of Saltcreek is secluded, with treacherous waters filled with riptides and mysterious undercurrents. Years prior, Lady Tressilian witnessed her husband’s ship sink from her window and has been confined to her bedroom ever since. Her excitement over Nevile’s visit turns sour when she learns that he plans to bring both his new wife, Kay Elliot (Mimi Keene), and his recently divorced first wife, Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland), to Gull’s Point. The Stranges’ marital turmoil was a tabloid sensation, and Lady Tressilian is appalled by Nevile introducing such scandal into her home. Unbeknownst to her, another guest is on their way to the mansion as well. Thomas Royde (Jack Farthing), an old friend of Nevile’s, bears a grudge against the family and has been corresponding secretly with Lady Tressilian’s companion Mary (Anjana Vasan) for months. When they all gather at Gull’s Point and deaths begin to occur, nearly everyone seems to have a reason for violence. Left to uncover the truth are Lady Tressilian’s lawyer, Mr. Treves (Clarke Peters); his teenage ward, Sylvia (Grace Doherty), who is both observant and inquisitive; and local Inspector Leach (Rhys).