Based on Co Down author Louise Kennedy's bestselling novel of the same name, the four-part drama filmed by the team behind "Brooklyn" and "An Education" has been hailed as one of the best series of 2025.
The show, which is set in a small town outside Belfast, features a stellar line-up including Lola Petticrew ("Say Nothing"), Tom Cullen ("My Son"), Barry Ward ("Bad Sisters"), and Lisa Dwyer Hogg ("The Fall"), to name a few.
Announcing the series last year, Channel 4 said: "Adapted for the screen in her first lead writing credit by rising talent Ailbhe Keogan ('Bad Sisters', 'Run & Jump') and based on Louise Kennedy's breakout debut novel, which was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, 'Trespasses' is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles."
The show, which completed filming in Belfast in December and will see Lola Petticrew star as Cushla, a young and frustrated Catholic teacher, sick and tired of the slog of everyday life.
Tom Cullen plays Cushla's forbidden love interest, an older, Protestant barrister, Michael, whom she meets while working one night behind the bar of her family's pub.
"Sex Education" actress Gillian Anderson, who is among the executive producers of the show, stars as Cushla's "glorious wreck" of a mother who is constantly fighting with her daughter.
The book cover for "Trespasses" by Louise Kennedy.
Cushla and Michael are worlds apart, in age and in religion, and in a world where both matters, their union would be anything but accepted; however, they can't seem to stay away.
"In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright..." "Trespasses" description reads.
Speaking about the reason why she got on board with the novel's adaptation, Gillian confessed: "I fell in love with Louise's stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragicomic creation that is Gina and couldn't resist when Louise asked me to play her."
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Screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan added, "I am genuinely excited for the world to meet Cushla and Michael on screen. We feel incredibly grateful to have been gifted the chance to bring the world within it to life, especially the unforgettable characters that populate Cushla and Michael's Belfast."
"Trespasses" aims to be "political, cinematic, sensual, moving, and, despite the heartbreak, ultimately hopeful," according to Ailbhe.
The novel's author, Louise Kennedy, gushed that she "could not have asked for more" from the team, stating: "From Ailbhe Keogan's ear-perfect, sexy script to director Dawn Shadforth's gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision, exceptional care has been taken to bring an authentic and beautiful version of my book to the small screen."
"Trespasses" will premiere Sunday night on Channel 4 at 9pm.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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