Channel 4's 'Trespasses': A Heartbreaking Look at Love Amidst The Troubles

Get ready for a powerful and poignant four-part drama on Channel 4, where a forbidden romance ignites against the dangerous backdrop of 1975 Northern Ireland. Featuring a standout performance from Gillian Anderson and stellar chemistry between Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen, this series is a must-watch.

TL;DR

• 'Trespasses' is a four-part Channel 4 drama, adapted from Louise Kennedy's novel, set in 1975 Northern Ireland during The Troubles.
• It tells the story of Cushla (Lola Petticrew), a Catholic teacher, and Michael (Tom Cullen), a married Protestant barrister, whose illicit love faces severe societal and political dangers.
• Gillian Anderson delivers a "career-best" performance as Gina, Cushla's complex, alcoholic mother, adding depth and unexpected humor.

Stepping Back into 1975 Northern Ireland: Where Love Could Be a Dangerous Trespass

Imagine falling deeply in love, only for that love to be considered a dangerous act of defiance, a "trespass" against deeply entrenched societal rules. That's the searing reality at the heart of Channel 4's new four-part drama, Trespasses. Set in 1975 Northern Ireland, amidst the escalating conflict known as The Troubles, this series plunges viewers into a world where allegiance to community could quite literally be a matter of life and death, especially for those who dared to love across the divide.

This powerful adaptation of Louise Kennedy's acclaimed novel brings to life the story of Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew), a 24-year-old Catholic schoolteacher, and Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), an older, married Protestant barrister. Their connection, forged in Cushla's family pub in a town just outside Belfast, quickly blossoms into a passionate, secret affair. Michael, a man dedicated to defending young Catholic men caught up in police brutality, is already a controversial figure, placing both himself and those around him at risk.

A Romance Forged in Fire: Cushla and Michael's Electrifying Connection

The chemistry between Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen is palpable, painting a vivid picture of a "Romeo and Juliet-style" romance. Cushla, pulling extra shifts in her family's pub, which serves both local soldiers and community members, finds herself drawn to Michael's charisma and intellect. As Lola Petticrew notes, their attraction is a "meeting of minds and two people with an absolutely ineffable connection between them." Michael, described as "bursting at the seams with love," finds in Cushla a person who "makes life worth living."

Their relationship is a bold challenge to the "ghettoised" communities of the era, where mixing between Catholics and Protestants, especially working-class individuals, was fraught with danger. Screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan highlights the real "threat to life for these lovers," citing instances like Seamie, a Catholic man beaten up for marrying a Protestant woman, as typical of the time. This palpable risk adds a layer of raw intensity to their furtive passion, making every stolen moment feel both vital and perilous.

Gillian Anderson's Masterful Transformation: From Icon to Alcoholic Matriarch

While the central romance anchors the story, Gillian Anderson delivers a "career-best performance" as Gina, Cushla’s widowed, alcoholic mother. Fans accustomed to Anderson's powerful, intelligent roles—from Dana Scully in The X-Files to Jean Milburn in Sex Education—might be surprised by her portrayal of Gina. Here, she's a "sour, curtain-twitching black hole," a "glorious wreck" struggling with bereavement and alcohol addiction, often found comatose or "absolutely bladdered," as one reviewer put it.

Anderson "steals every scene," demonstrating her incredible range by embodying Gina's repression, shame, and judgment. Yet, amidst the despair, she also injects unexpected humor, such as when Gina scornfully asks her daughter, "Are you a love addict?" after reading a magazine quiz. Her Northern Irish accent, a famously challenging dialect, is convincingly rendered, proving a testament to her immersive approach to the role. This portrayal adds a profound emotional depth to the family dynamics, showing the ripple effects of trauma within the community.

A Meticulously Recreated 1970s Northern Ireland Landscape

Trespasses excels in transporting viewers straight into 1975 Northern Ireland. The production design features a "vintage palette" of melancholy browns and oranges, authentically capturing the era's aesthetic. Small details like overflowing ashtrays, yellow street lighting, Austin Allegros, and glimpses of The Generation Game, Miss World, and Jim'll Fix It playing on small TV sets immerse the audience in the past. Interiors are authentically "brown and smoke-shrouded," evoking the feeling of "walking into a lung" as one critic described the pub setting.

Beyond the visuals, the soundscape is equally evocative. The constant "background hum of news bulletins about the latest bombing," along with audible sirens and explosions in the distance, serves as a chilling reminder of the ever-present conflict. This meticulous attention to detail, from murals and flags declaring allegiances to armed checkpoints manned by British troops, powerfully conveys the "pervading atmosphere of fear and paranoia" that defined daily life during The Troubles.

The Stakes of Forbidden Love: Personal Stories and Societal Consequences

The series poignantly illustrates the immense personal cost of "mixed marriages" during this volatile period. As screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan reveals, Seamie, a Catholic man who married a Protestant woman, was brutally beaten—a stark example of the violence faced by those who crossed sectarian lines. In a particularly harrowing scene, Cushla’s pupil, Davy, watches his father suffer a horrific "punishment beating" for being in a mixed marriage, resulting in broken legs, a fractured skull, and nails driven through his hands. This kind of violence was a grim reality, not an exaggeration. Source: [The Times, Trespasses review – back to the days of bombs, bullets and checkpoints, November 9, 2025].

Tom Cullen shared a personal connection to this theme, revealing his own family history: "My grandfather is Irish Catholic and my grandmother's Irish Protestant," he explained. "It's a story that has existed within my family – the difficulty of it." He added that his grandmother's father had passed away by the time she met his grandfather, and everyone was "very grateful for that, because it would've been hugely difficult... and it still was." Source: [Radio Times, Trespasses' Tom Cullen reveals how his own family history mirrors show's forbidden love, November 9, 2025]. This deeply personal resonance underscores the authenticity and emotional weight of the drama's core conflict.

Despite the seriousness, the show finds moments of unexpected dryness, often through characters like Father Slattery, an intense priest at Cushla's school who terrifies children with inappropriate stories of sectarian violence. This dark humor provides a necessary leavening to a story that could otherwise become relentlessly heavy. Source: [The Guardian, Trespasses: Gillian Anderson steals every scene in this miraculous TV heartbreaker, Undated].

"What I was surprised at this last time was the degree to which the trauma is still under the surface, all the time."

— Gillian Anderson, speaking to BBC News NI about filming in Northern Ireland

Addressing the Critics: Nuance in Portrayal and Familiar Territory

While overwhelmingly praised, Trespasses isn't without its nuanced points of discussion. Some viewers might note that Tom Cullen's accent "slips at times," a minor detail in an otherwise compelling performance. Similarly, Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Gina, while lauded as "career-best," might occasionally feel like she "overdoes the doom-laden drunk act" to some, though this interpretation largely depends on individual viewer experience and the character's internal suffering.

Another fair observation is that the Troubles have become a "frequent backdrop for coming-of-age stories" in recent years, with works like Derry Girls and Belfast also exploring this turbulent era. While Trespasses treads somewhat familiar ground in its setting, its "elegant, tightly constructed" narrative and focus on the intimate, forbidden nature of love, coupled with a distinct "female gaze" from its production team (writer Ailbhe Keogan, director Dawn Shadforth, and producer Gillian Anderson), carve out its own unique and vital perspective. The series also doesn't shy away from Michael's complexities, acknowledging him as a "womaniser," which adds a layer of moral ambiguity, though some argue his "sleaze" inhibits some of the romantic tension.

Bringing the Story to Life: 'Trespasses' Filming Locations

The authentic feel of Trespasses is largely due to its commitment to filming on location across Northern Ireland. Key scenes from Cushla's life were shot in real places, adding to the show's immersive quality.

• The Anchor Pub: Cushla's family pub, where she first meets Michael, was filmed at the Ladysmith Arms pub in Ballymena, County Antrim. Though sadly, you can't pop in for a pint as it's not open to the public.
• Cushla and Gina's Home: The interior shots of their house, complete with unmistakable 70s red-carpeted walls, were filmed in a house in Finaghy, south Belfast.
• Scenic Lake Scenes: A pivotal romantic scene between Cushla and Michael took place by a stunning lake, likely shot in the picturesque Belfast Lough, specifically around the Craigantlet area and Whinney Hill near Holywood, County Down. Filming also occurred on the high street of the nearby town of Portaferry.
• Belfast Cityscapes: Other residential streets were brought to life in north Belfast, specifically Salisbury Avenue and Chichester Park. Iconic city spots like Belfast's Yacht Club on Kinnegar Road, Shankill Leisure Centre, Lismore Street, and Little Donegall Street also served as backdrops.

Why 'Trespasses' Resonates Today: Choosing Freedom Over Fear

Ultimately, Trespasses is more than just a period drama; it’s a "deeply human drama" that explores timeless themes. It condemns how "political dogma creeps and hardens," infecting communities and turning simple acts of kindness and love into targets for violence. Yet, it's not without hope. As Michael tells Cushla, "We must find the bravery to choose freedom over fear" – a powerful message that resonates far beyond the 1970s. The series ends with a "spine-tingling coda," promising an uplifting conclusion despite the heartbreaking journey.

This "perfectly formed story" is a captivating meditation on formative love, portraying a flawed yet courageous protagonist in Cushla, who seeks private joy in a world where betrayal between neighbors was commonplace. It’s a compelling watch for anyone drawn to intimate, mood-rich period dramas that deftly intertwine character and context, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection in the face of immense adversity.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers

• Where to Watch: Tune into Channel 4 for the premiere of Trespasses on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 9pm, with episodes airing nightly until November 12.
• Stream Anytime: Can't wait? The entire four-part series is available to stream now on channel4.com.
• What to Expect: Prepare for a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting story of forbidden love, set against the authentic backdrop of 1975 Northern Ireland's Troubles.
• Star Power: Look forward to powerhouse performances from Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, and a truly transformative, "career-best" Gillian Anderson.

FAQ: Your Questions About 'Trespasses' Answered When does 'Trespasses' air and where can I watch it? 'Trespasses' premieres on Channel 4 on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 9pm GMT, airing nightly through November 12. All four episodes are also available to stream now on channel4.com. How many episodes are in 'Trespasses'? The series consists of four tightly constructed episodes, offering a complete and conclusive story. Is 'Trespasses' based on a book? Yes, it's an adaptation of Louise Kennedy's critically acclaimed novel of the same name, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Women's Prize for Fiction. What is the main conflict in 'Trespasses'? The primary conflict revolves around a forbidden cross-community love affair between a Catholic woman, Cushla, and a married Protestant man, Michael, set against the backdrop of sectarian violence and societal divisions during The Troubles in 1975 Northern Ireland. Sources

• The Guardian, "Trespasses: Gillian Anderson steals every scene in this miraculous TV heartbreaker," Undated.
• BBC News NI, "Trauma and Trespasses in new Gillian Anderson Troubles drama," 3 days ago.
• Radio Times, "Trespasses' Tom Cullen reveals how his own family history mirrors show's forbidden love," November 9, 2025.
• The Independent, "Trespasses on Channel 4 review: Gillian Anderson at her most heartbreaking," 3 days ago.
• The Times, "Trespasses review – back to the days of bombs, bullets and checkpoints," November 9, 2025.
• Prima, "Trespasses Channel 4 review: Is the Gillian Anderson drama good?" Undated.
• Stylist, "Trespasses: release date, cast, plot, trailer, and everything else we know about Channel 4’s new Gillian Anderson drama," Undated.
• My Imperfect Life, "Where was Trespasses filmed? The beautiful locations behind the Channel 4 drama," Undated.
• Image, "Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses finally comes to the TV screen – here’s what to watch this week," November 10, 2025.