Lola Petticrew has been on a remarkable trajectory, and their latest project, Trespasses, cements their status as one of the most compelling actors of their generation. After earning acclaim for their role in the 2024 miniseries Say Nothing and the Hulu series Furious, Petticrew now leads this four-part drama based on Louise Kennedy's 2022 novel. The series, which airs on Channel 4 and PBS, is a poignant and tense exploration of love and survival during The Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland.
The story centers on Cushla Lavery (Petticrew), a schoolteacher navigating a world where violence is a constant presence. Checkpoints, surveillance, and the ever-present threat of bloodshed shape daily life, from bomb drills in her classroom to the wary glances of her neighbors. Cushla tries to help those who are unjustly tormented while managing her own routine: teaching, working night shifts at the family pub, and caring for her widowed mother, Gina (Gillian Anderson).
Enter Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), a married, older Protestant barrister who challenges the system from within. His position makes him a target for the IRA, the English, and the local communities, and his connection with Cushla is as dangerous as it is intoxicating. Their affair unfolds against a backdrop of sectarian conflict, where every secret meeting could be their last.
What sets Trespasses apart is its refusal to reduce The Troubles to mere background noise. Writer Ailbhe Keogan and director Dawn Shadforth craft a story that is both intimate and expansive, focusing on the personal consequences of political turmoil. The series avoids the stereotypes of age-gap romances and period dramas, instead offering a grounded, socially conscious narrative that explores class conflict, religious propaganda, and the radicalization of disillusioned youth.
The performances are uniformly excellent. Cullen brings a nuanced complexity to Michael, balancing his privilege with his genuine desire for change. Anderson, as always, is magnetic, portraying Gina's grief and alcoholism with understated elegance and a hint of the fiery woman she once was. But it's Petticrew who anchors the series, delivering a tour-de-force performance that captures Cushla's contradictions—self-assured yet uncertain, pragmatic yet open-hearted. Their portrayal makes Cushla's journey feel both specific and universal.
Trespasses is not just a love story; it's a meditation on how people endure unimaginable circumstances. The series shows that even in the darkest times, daily life continues—jobs, meals, parenting—and that resilience can be found in the most ordinary moments. It's a powerful reminder that history is made up of individual lives, each with their own hopes, fears, and secrets.
For fans of Petticrew's previous work, Trespasses is a must-watch. It's a testament to their range and a compelling addition to the growing canon of Troubles-set dramas. The series is available now on Channel 4 and PBS, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression.
