The adaptation of Co Down author Louise Kennedy’s bestselling novel has arrived as one of 2025’s most anticipated television events, bringing together the filmmaking team behind BROOKLYN and AN EDUCATION to craft a forbidden romance set against the violent backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
The four-part drama TRESPASSES, which completed filming in Belfast this past December, tells the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher worn down by the monotony of her daily existence in a small town outside Belfast, who finds herself drawn into a dangerous affair with Michael, an older Protestant barrister she meets while working shifts at her family’s pub.
Lola Petticrew, who previously appeared in SAY NOTHING, brings intensity to the role of Cushla, while Tom Cullen of MY SON portrays her conflicted lover, with the cast rounded out by Barry Ward from BAD SISTERS and Lisa Dwyer Hogg of THE FALL. Gillian Anderson, serving as executive producer while also appearing onscreen as Cushla’s perpetually combative mother described as a “glorious wreck,” has helped shepherd this passion project to completion.
Screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan, earning her first lead writing credit after contributing to BAD SISTERS and RUN & JUMP, adapted Kennedy’s debut novel, which earned a Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisting, with the author herself praising both Keogan’s “ear-perfect, sexy script” and director Dawn Shadforth’s “gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision” for bringing an authentic version of her work to television.
Channel 4 describes the series as a forbidden love story unfolding amid the sectarian violence that defined the era, and Keogan promises viewers a narrative that manages to be political, cinematic, sensual, and moving while maintaining hope despite the heartbreak woven throughout. The production represents a deeply personal triumph for Kennedy, who expressed gratitude that exceptional care was taken to honor the world and characters she created, particularly the unforgettable inhabitants of Cushla and Michael’s Belfast.
TRESPASSES premieres Sunday night on Channel 4 at 9pm, offering audiences a richly textured portrait of desire and danger in a divided society.
SUGAR is back on Jun 19!
Season 2 of Apple TV+`s neo-noir gem returns — and Colin Farrell`s John Sugar is returning to the shadowy streets of Los Angeles with his most dangerous case yet.
A missing boxer`s older brother. A conspiracy that runs through the entire city. And still — somewhere beneath all of it — the question that haunts him most: what happened to his sister?
More SUGAR at irishfilmtv.com.
Jack Reynor playing a music industry fixer in POWER BALLAD hits different when you remember he was the failed musician`s older brother in SING STREET
A decade later, same director, different side of the industry — and somehow that`s the whole point!
More ta irishfilmtv.com.
How does #AndrewScott feel about being #ConanOBrien’s friend?
Andrew sits down with Conan to discuss his latest film PRESSURE, the over-academization of Shakespeare, playing every part in the one-man adaptation VANYA, and honing the craft of portraying characters who are good without being nice.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD is back at the @nationaltheatre — and this cast is everything!
Nicola Coughlan. Éanna Hardwicke. Siobhán McSweeney are directed by Caitríona McLaughlin with every secret wound held tight beneath the surface! Filmed live on stage. Overflowing with secrets. Absolutely essential viewing.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
In a new @esquire interview, Jamie Dornan talks the art of embracing fear.
The actor—heartthrob, model, and self-described "semi-cool dad"—is having a massive year.
Two incredible projects on the horizon: 12 12 12 with Anthony Mackie (a globe-trotting heist thriller for Apple & Skydance), and THE UNDERTOW on Netflix, where he plays identical twins.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
HOPE flips the script.
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander play complex extraterrestrials from planet Gh`ertu—not faceless invaders, but fully realized beings with their own world and reasons.
Expect genre chaos: comedy bleeding into dread, absurdist moments crashing into raw drama. HOPE director Na Hong-jin refuses to play it safe.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott loves Indie Film!
The celebrated actor known for his transformative performances in FLEABAG, SHERLOCK, ALL OF US STRANGERS, and RIPLEY, is now stepping behind the camera to shape the future of filmmaking.
Read more at irishfilmtv.com.
Happy 50th Birthday to Cork`s own Cillian Murphy!
“Ambition was never really the driving force, curiosity was more the thing.”
Long may you remain curious Cillian!
More Cillian at irishfilmtv.com.
Monaghan`s own @ardalohanlon is a busy man these days!
Ardal’s new novel A PLOT TO DIE FOR is almost here and Ardal is taking it on the road. Join him live at bookshops and festivals across the UK this May and September.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
