After months of anticipation and waiting, we now have a first-look trailer for I Am Helen starring Nicola Coughlan, the next instalment in Dominic Savage’s acclaimed Channel 4 anthology drama.
The series, which premiered in 2019, sees writer-director Savage collaborate with the leading actor on a standalone story, with previous episodes of drama featuring Kate Winslet, Suranne Jones and Lesley Manville.
The latest chapter, the first in four years, sees Derry Girls and Bridgerton star Coughlan take on the titular role, with the two-part drama set to explore “the experience of womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression, and control”.
Channel 4
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The first-look trailer begins with Helen discussing her relationship with her partner Steve (played by Joe Cole), which she says has hit a “rough patch” after five years. It’s far darker than that, however, as he begins to display disturbing beliefs.
Though Helen softens the truth during a conversation with her friend, Steve’s behaviour becomes increasingly controlling and dangerous, with the titular character having to make a decision regarding her safety.
“Told through a female lens, the story examines the pressures and expectations placed on women while confronting the realities of toxic masculinity and the damage it can create in modern relationships,” reads the logline.
Speaking upon the project’s announcement last year, Coughlan said: “It’s an absolute honour to be part of telling the next I Am… story alongside Dominic Savage – a singular talent and a storyteller deeply committed to exploring the breadth of the female experience.
“To follow in the footsteps of the brilliant women who’ve collaborated with him on this series feels truly surreal, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be embarking on this journey,” added the star, who is also known for Big Mood.
Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 4, praised Savage and Coughlan as a “powerhouse” team, before adding that the “distinctive and impactful story” would be a “powerful and timely portrait of our times”.
Channel 4
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I Am… premiered in 2019 with three episodes as Vicky McClure, Samantha Morton and Gemma Chan took the lead roles, before Jones, Letitia Wright and Manville starred in the second season two years later.
A feature-length instalment, titled I Am Ruth, was released in 2022, with Winslet leading the drama. Savage has written and directed all the episodes, while Krishnendu Majumdar and Josh Hyams serve as producers.
I Am Helen will air and stream on Channel 4 later this year.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.