Anna Friel stars in Jimmy McGovern's new 90-minute drama, Unforgivable, playing Anna Mitchell, a mother whose brother sexually assaulted her son. The drama, airing on BBC Two on 2024-07-24, portrays the profound impact of the trauma on the family. Friel describes her character as suppressing anger due to the loss of her husband, mother, and brother, and the shattering of trust. The show features pared-down dialogue and a sparse aesthetic, reflecting the emotional intensity of the subject matter.

Friel highlights the performances of the young actors, Austin Haynes and Finn McParland, praising their ability to convey complex emotions. She also discusses the challenges of portraying a mother in the modern era, noting the shift towards more nuanced and complex maternal characters. The drama received a silent, then deeply impactful response at a Liverpool screening, indicating the thought-provoking nature of the story.

Unforgivable tackles child abuse with moral complexity, avoiding easy answers and judgment. The film also features a cast including Bobby Schofield, David Threlfall, and Anna Maxwell Martin. Friel's previous work, Sulphur and White (2020), similarly dealt with child abuse, and she shared the film with a real-life survivor of abuse. The role is a continuation of Friel's often dark roles, though she states that in reality she is quite jolly and funny.

Impact Statement: Unforgivable’s exploration of complex themes surrounding child sexual abuse and its lasting impact is expected to generate significant discussion.