BBC Revenge Thriller ‘Reunion’ Says ‘What It Means to Be a Deaf Person From the Point of View of a Deaf Person’

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The premiere of “Reunion,” created and brought to life by deaf artist William Mager, consistently stays close to its main character throughout the series.

As a fan, I’d express it like this: “I’ve come across narratives about deaf characters told by hearing individuals. But this show offers a unique perspective, as it’s been crafted by someone who truly understands what it means to be deaf – a fellow deaf individual, in this case, Luke Snellin.

Imagine yourself facing a probation officer as a hearing-impaired individual. To help visualize this experience, we could mute the scene or position the camera at the back of his head, focusing on his ear area – giving viewers an insight into what it might feel like for him.

Mager notes: “Communication is already challenging when you’re deaf. However, discussing personal experiences, particularly those that are complex and emotionally taxing, can be even more difficult. It might take extra effort to share these stories.

Particularly for the character portrayed by Matthew Gurney, who was recently released from prison following a murder conviction long past: the sorrowful incident has left both his community and family in turmoil, yearning for explanations. However, rather than disclosing his reasons, Brennan pursues justice on his own.

Mager thought about classic ‘70s and ‘80s films when working on the story.  

In a typical suspenseful tale, an individual emerges from prison with a thirst for vengeance. The narrative seems familiar yet engaging, and at first glance, Brennan appears as a stoic, strong figure. However, we intentionally mislead: what initially seems to be one thing gradually transforms into something else entirely. Something more emotionally resonant, more deeply felt, as he elaborates.

On my journey, I encounter some fellow travelers. I reconnect with my estranged daughter and find myself in a challenging situation where I must confront the child, wife, and the new police officer companion (Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anne-Marie Duff, and Eddie Marsan) of the woman who was once a victim to my actions.

Initially, Brennan remains an enigma to us. However, as the story unfolds, glimpses into his past become clearer. The intention is for viewers to empathize with his hardships and grasp the idea that he’s being hindered by the system, according to Snellin.

As Brennan’s disjointed memories unfold, snippets from his past emerge as vivid flashbacks. With time, as he starts to share more, these fragments gradually fall into place, revealing the truth about his past experiences. This newfound understanding empowers him to face those events head-on.

The first television series that features both sign language and spoken language will make its debut at Series Mania in France, titled “Reunion”. This series is a creation of Warp Films and distributed by BBC Studios.

Producer Gwen Gorst clarifies that they intentionally didn’t create a production where only deaf actors were involved, but rather, it was a project with both deaf and hearing cast members,” explains the producer. The set was bilingual, accommodating both sign language and spoken dialogue.

From the beginning, there’s been plenty of affection for the script, and BBC has been on board from the start. Whenever we venture into something unique, like incorporating bilingual aspects, there’s a touch of apprehension. However, we’ve been fortunate – people have welcomed these changes.

Mager concurs, stating that he has worked on sets where the actors were deaf and the crew seemed uninterested or disengaged. However, in this case, he noticed a genuine passion among the team for the concept behind the show.

Casting so many deaf actors in the show made him proud, he reveals. 

Viewing the closing credits always stirs strong feelings in me. Some of these individuals have been part of my life for two decades. Furthermore, we were fortunate to work with exceptional hearing actors eager to acquire sign language skills.

Lara Peake, who portrayed Brennan’s daughter, mastered the role during a span of five weeks, according to Stellin. He acknowledges the translators as crucial elements in the entire process.

Experiencing this job has significantly altered my perspective on various aspects. It’s even transformed my life, and I must say that my understanding and appreciation for the deaf community and their culture have undergone a remarkable shift.

Snellin also learnt to sign, underlines Merger. 

You immersed yourself wholeheartedly into the task! It was clear that you recognized the weight of responsibility on your shoulders to uphold justice for the deaf community and ensure they were adequately represented. After wrapping up filming, when deaf actors and crew members went out for a drink, Luke was also present.”

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“You jumped right in! It was evident that you recognized the importance of your role in ensuring justice for the deaf community and representing them accurately. When the cast and crew, including many from the deaf community, went out for drinks after filming, Luke was there too.

Nick Lee, the commercial director of drama and comedy at BBC Studios, noted that the authenticity shines through on-screen. This is a significant factor in why BBC and BBC Studios decided to support it. He attributes this to Billy’s writing, Luke’s direction, and Warp’s unique cinematic style harmoniously working together. Lee also mentioned that there has been considerable interest from broadcasters across Europe.

This series is uniquely crafted, blending a captivating crime-thriller narrative with the personal journey of a man seeking redemption. It explores universal topics like parental love before birth, proving innocence, and pursuing justice – elements that resonate deeply with viewers. We’re optimistic it will gain widespread appeal.

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2025-03-28 15:47