BBC has released the first-look trailer and images for The Rapture, a new psychological thriller coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The five-part series stars Ruth Madeley as forensic psychologist Gabs Fox and India Amarteifio as Bethany Krall, a 17-year-old patient at a high-security psychiatric hospital.
Adapted from Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel, the series was filmed in Wales and is made by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios. Set during a heatwave, with protestors on the streets, The Rapture begins as Gabs starts a new job and meets Bethany, who was convicted of murdering her mother but insists she is innocent. Bethany is also estranged from her father Leonard Krall, played by Sam Hazeldine (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Slow Horses), the charismatic leader of an influential religious movement.
The first look sets up a tense question at the centre of the series: Bethany claims she has psychic powers and can predict the future, but what will it take for Gabs to believe her? And if Bethany did not kill her mother, who did? Alongside Madeley, Amarteifio and Hazeldine, the cast includes Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman, Robert Rhodes and Ruth Jones.
The series is written by Bryony Kimmings and Rebecca Manley, with Eva Sigurđardóttir and Jennifer Perrott directing. Betsan Morris Evans and Joanna Crow produce, with executive producers Rebecca Durbin, Tom Leggett, Ruth Madeley, Damien Timmer and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC.
For CultureCues, the first trailer and images have done their job. The Rapture looks tense and interesting, and we are easily adding it straight to the watchlist. We are particularly looking forward to seeing India Amarteifio following her standout role in Queen Charlotte. We will be tuning in… probably from behind a cushion.
The Rapture is coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.