The BBC’s recently-released drama “Reunion” is a powerful example. Starring the swift, sharp deaf actor Margo Cathers, it centers on Daniel Brennan, a deaf man on a revenge quest after a decade in prison. Produced by William Mager, a lifelong lover of 70s conspiracy thrillers. It’s sure to bust some myths along the way with its fresh take about deaf culture and modes of communication.
Written and directed by the same team that brought you the award-winning series “Adolescence,” “Reunion” is unique in its dedication to authenticity. Nearly all of the cast members are deaf or proficient in British Sign Language (BSL). This artistic decision enhances the storytelling and brings to life the great breadth and complexity of deaf experiences. Notable actors Anne-Marie Duff and Lara Peake have even taken the initiative to learn sign language for their roles, demonstrating their dedication to portraying their characters authentically.
Reunion does a compelling job of not only showing the struggle of its protagonist, but making communication a focal point of the episode, as well as the series. The tension through the film serves to highlight the struggle for each character to express what’s on their mind and heart. A significant plot point reveals that Brennan is unable to read or write in English, which complicates his interactions and adds depth to his character’s journey.
Mager, reflecting on the challenges faced by deaf individuals, stated, “Deaf children often lag behind their hearing counterparts in education, particularly in reading and writing.” This observation highlights the systemic inequities that the series seeks to shine a light on and repair.
The show’s dialogue uses British Sign Language in addition to spoken English, with the BSL accompanied by English subtitles. This is a really great practice that encourages inclusivity. It’s in keeping with Mager’s hope that the story will provide a rich, respectful, and authentic portrayal of deaf culture.
“Every day, as a deaf person, you’re reminded of your deafness,” Mager explained. Together, these two films show what deaf characters experience on an emotional level. It showcases their path as they find their way through a mostly hearing world. The series encapsulates how these daily reminders can accumulate over time and foster a sense of injustice, which is poignantly articulated by Mager: “All those things add up over time and generate a sense of injustice.”
As that plot further unravels, Reunion evokes the spirit of the best classic thrillers. It catches us off guard by going deep on themes of personal exploration, community connections, displacement and social marginalization. Mager describes this evolution, saying, “Reunion starts out like those classic thrillers, but ends up in a very different place.”
The series also delves further into the complexities of communication in various contexts. Most of all, it illustrates how ignorance tends to incite war and heartache. The production hopes to connect with audiences on a deeper level by delivering an engaging story that combines suspense with social commentary.
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