The controversial FX series Say Nothing has stirred quite the uproar, with its gripping portrayal of sisters Dolours and Marian Price immersing viewers right back to the heart of Northern Ireland's fraught history during The Troubles. Based on the acclaimed bestseller by Patrick Radden Keefe, this nine-episode series digs deeply, focusing on the radicalization of these young women and the harrowing abduction of the mother-of-ten, Jean McConville, who became one of The Troubles' most infamous victims.
At the center of this media storm is the talented Lola Petticrew, who plays the fiery and spirited Dolours Price. Right from the onset of this ambitious undertaking, Petticrew expressed her enthusiasm, saying it was almost instinctual when she received the script. "Almost immediately from when I got the first email, I was all in. Of course, there were reservations, but they were put to bed quite quickly after meeting the team and reading the scripts," she stated. It’s clear this project is close to her heart, as she hails from West Belfast, the very backdrop against which these events unfolded.
Notably, Say Nothing is deliberately not just another historical retelling but aims to resonate with those who may not know the nuances of this fraught era. According to Petticrew, the series is accessible for people unfamiliar with the history of The Troubles, functioning as "a steppingstone for them to hopefully dig a little more deeply". Here, history isn't merely relayed; it becomes visceral and personal, allowing audiences to feel the weight of the characters' decisions and the generational trauma left behind by violence.
The series has put great emphasis on the emotional journeys of these radicalized women. Both sisters were involved with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at incredibly young ages—Dolours at just 21 and Marian at 18. This stark reminder of their youth adds layers of complexity to their motivations and actions. Viewers are taken from their initial fervor to the consequences of their choices as they get entangled in the violent political crisis enveloping Northern Ireland.
With such heavy material, cast camaraderie was indispensable. Petticrew shared how working alongside Hazel Doupe, who portrays her sister Marian, felt serendipitous, allowing their sibling relationship to develop naturally on set. This authenticity is palpable as they navigate emotional scenes, especially during difficult shoots, such as one set inside a prison.
Yet, Say Nothing does not come without its controversies. The son-in-law of Jean McConville, Seamus McKendry, publicly expressed his discontent with the show's creators for failing to communicate with his family prior to its release. He stated, "There was no communication with the programme-makers at all. They never once lifted the phone to ask for our thoughts." Such sentiments underline the delicate nature of dramatizing such traumatic historical events, raising questions about whose stories are told and how.
McKendry’s criticism points to broader concerns about representation and communication, especially as the show focuses heavily on McConville’s tragic story. After the abduction of McConville by eight armed IRA members, she was never seen again. Her disappearance led to decades of anguish for her family. McKendry emphasized the need for accurate representation, stating, "The abduction scene was poorly portrayed." His remarks can serve as stark reminders of the sensitivity required when exploring the residual pain of communities impacted by such dark histories.
Another layer to this discussion is how the series itself presents and contextualizes violence. The characters—Dolours and Marian—are not glorified as mere heroes; instead, the show delves deep, forcing viewers to grapple with their actions and the ideologies driving them. Lola Petticrew herself remarked on the intense challenge of acting such heavy material, highlighting the show’s mission not to romanticize violence but to portray the reality faced by many during this tumultuous period.
The excitement around Say Nothing is palpable. Industry experts believe the series taps directly onto contemporary discussions about the nature of conflict and its long-lasting scars. The screenwriter, Josh Zetumer, and the team behind the adaptation were noted for their commitment to balancing raw storytelling with historical accuracy. They wanted to depict the events authentically enough to respect those affected by them without simply rehashing historical details for the sake of entertainment.
For many, as Petticrew eloquently puts it, being involved with Say Nothing was not just about acting; it was about voicing important historical narratives. “It was really once-in-a-lifetime, cosmic thing... I thought I’d bring my background, culture, history to the table, and the team really valued it. It felt like we were part of something bigger," she stated. This passion to tell real stories will only fuel audiences' curiosity and drama enthusiasts will surely want to explore these themes as they unpack Dolours and Marian’s motivations.
All of this reflects the complicated nature of storytelling, particularly when it intersects with real-world traumas. While many viewers find solace and catharsis through narratives like Say Nothing, the challenge lies in ensuring respect for those whose lives were irrevocably altered. Given the rich history of The Troubles, the audience’s responsibility becomes heightened — to listen, reflect, and seek to understand the many layers embedded within these dramatic portrayals.
With all eyes on Say Nothing, as criticisms blend with praise, the show has undoubtedly thrust the narratives of The Troubles back to the public forefront. Streaming on Hulu and Disney+, the show invites viewers not just to watch, but to engage with the stories of individuals deeply affected by societal conflict. It is not just about the sisters’ fight for their beliefs; it's about the lives lost, the silence, the grey areas of morality, and the enduring quest for peace - all wrapped up beautifully within the complex fabric of human history.
Through loving characters, fraught situations, and the complex interplay of loyalty, betrayal, and political ideology, Say Nothing stands as more than just entertainment; it is compelling, painful, and necessary viewing for anyone seeking to understand the echoes of the past and their relevance today.
