Channel 4 Commissions Thrilling New Drama Series "Summerwater" from Acclaimed Novel by Sarah Moss

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By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has announced the commission of Summerwater, a compelling new six-part drama series based on the acclaimed novel by Sarah Moss. Produced by Freedom Scripted, with backing from Channel 4's Indie Growth Fund, the adaptation is penned by celebrated screenwriter John Donnelly (The Assessment, Utopia, The Pass) and directed by Robert McKillop (The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies, Then You Run, Guilt).

Set in a remote Scottish holiday cabin park, Summerwater unfolds over a single rain-soaked summer day, weaving together the lives of various families grappling with unspoken conflicts, private dilemmas, and fleeting moments of beauty. The series delves into the simmering tensions among holidaymakers, leading to an explosive and devastating climax. Each episode spotlights one or two characters, ranging from children and young lovers to elderly couples, crafting a subversive and often witty portrayal of modern Britain.

The narrative explores themes of nature, family, sex, class, and tolerance, set against the backdrop of a divided society. The series promises to be an atmospheric mystery, blending elements of humor and heartbreak, as it scrutinizes the complexities of human nature across generations. As the story progresses, Summerwater examines the strength of community in times of division, highlighting the fruitless pursuit of escapism through holidays.

John Donnelly, the screenwriter, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:

"Sarah Moss writes with perception, compassion, and wit about sex, love, and the dark impulses of the human heart. She is one of our most brilliant chroniclers of modern life. In Summerwater, Sarah has found the perfect environment to explore our secrets and desires – a rain-drenched holiday park in Scotland. Summerwater is at once an atmospheric mystery, a hilarious and heartbreaking exploration of identity, and an existential thriller. I am delighted to be working with the brilliant team at Freedom Scripted to adapt Sarah's wonderful novel for a broadcaster with such a pedigree for bold, ambitious drama."

Mike Ellen, Executive Producer for Freedom Scripted, also shared his excitement:

"Very few books come along as evocative, relevant, and brilliantly drawn as Summerwater by Sarah Moss, let alone set a stone's throw away from where I grew up! We were thrilled to attach John Donnelly as screenwriter, and true to form, he has delivered amazing scripts. I'm really excited to be working with such a talented producer as Jules and can't wait to see what Robbie does with this. We all feel there couldn't be a better home for the show than with Ollie Madden, Sarah Stack, and the team at Channel 4 Drama."

Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Head of Channel 4 Drama, added:

"Summerwater is both a subversive, compulsive, brilliantly characterized thriller, and a witty, dark exploration of modern British life – cleverly adapted from Sarah Moss' excellent novel. We've loved working with John on the film side and are now very excited to be working with him, Robert, and the brilliant team at Freedom Scripted on this unique show."

Summerwater (6x60') was commissioned by Ollie Madden and Sarah Stack, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Drama. The series will be produced by Jules Hussey (Ralph & Katie, You Don't Know Me, Guilt) and Mike Ellen will serve as Executive Producer. The show is produced in association with All3Media International, which will handle global distribution.

Casting and transmission details will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling and introspective exploration of modern life in the UK.