The BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero will star Mimi Keene, with first-look images released in early October 2024. Oliver Jackson-Cohen plays Kay Elliott, the glamorous new wife of British tennis star Nevile Strange, played by Keene, best known for Romance Education. The 1930s-set three-part Christie mystery features envy, betrayal, and murder on a beautiful beachfront house.
The Plot: An Explosive Love Triangle
In Towards Zero, Nevile Strange, his ex-wife Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland), and his new wife Kay (Mimi Keene) form a love triangle. Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston) hosts the protagonists for a summer vacation at her home.
The tension between the ex-lovers and Nevile’s new wife creates a complex web of emotions and conflicts. As usual for Agatha Christie, murder shatters this peaceful location, prompting Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) to solve the case before more lives are lost.
This adaptation stands out for its psychological depth and sensuous interest. Sam Yates calls Towards Zero “the most psychological and sensual” of Christie’s films, emphasizing the complex character relationships and emotional turmoil beneath the surface. As a master of drama, Yates hopes to keep audiences on edge with a story that blends suspense, drama, and dark humour.
Mimi Keene’s Performance
Kay Elliott’s portrayal by Mimi Keene is expected to impress. Kay, Nevile Strange’s vibrant, beautiful second wife, is caught amid their conflict. Keene’s energy in the role is unique, balancing lighthearted charm with dramatic moments. This is a change from her Sex Education role as confident and sometimes brash Ruby Matthews. In Towards Zero, Keene is expected to demonstrate a greater breadth of her acting abilities, managing the intricacies of Kay’s relationships and the tension that propels the story.
Keene’s on-screen chemistry with co-star Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who portrays her husband, Nevile, is vital to the tale. Jackson-Cohen, who played Nevile in The Haunting of Hill House and Wilderness, describes him as a man torn between the past and the present, haunted by his feelings for his ex-wife. Nevile, Kay, and Audrey’s tension creates an emotionally charged story that keeps viewers guessing.
A Star-Studded Cast
Towards Zero has a great supporting cast, along with Mimi Keene and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Huston plays Lady Tressilian, the estate matriarch who dominates the story. Matthew Rhys, known for The Americans, plays Inspector Leach, the murder detective. His gravitas and sharp intellect help him uncover the secrets of the seemingly peaceful summer retreat.
Other prominent cast members include Clarke Peters (The Wire), who plays Mr. Treves, and Jack Farthing (Spencer), who portrays Thomas Royde. Together, the ensemble cast brings Christie’s fully drawn characters to life, adding intrigue and depth to the plot. Christie’s mysteries are known for their suspense and unpredictability, reinforced by each character’s secrets and motivations.
1930s Film Style and Setting
One of the standout features of Towards Zero is its setting in the glamorous yet turbulent 1930s. The series’ production design, especially the magnificent coastline house and period-appropriate clothes, boosts the cinematic quality of the adaption. Filming took place in and around Bristol and the Devon coast, capturing the visual beauty and solitude of the area, which parallels the emotional isolation of the individuals locked in their problems.
Director Sam Yates has worked closely with the production team to ensure that the 1930s backdrop reflects the aesthetic of the time and enhances the story’s themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal. Yates describes the adaptation as “a propulsive, intoxicating ride into the dark hearts” of Christie’s characters, promising viewers a visually and emotionally engaging experience.