Is there a possibility that the BBC will exhaust Agatha Christie’s stories for adaptation? It seems improbable, as the renowned mystery author created over 75 detective novels during her lifetime, along with numerous adaptations waiting to be explored. One of the exciting new projects on the horizon is Towards Zero, the forthcoming three-part miniseries from the BBC and BritBox.
Following the success of last year’s Agatha Christie adaptation, Murder Is Easy—which ranked among the most-watched programs in the UK in 2023, attracting an average of over 7 million viewers per episode—Towards Zero has raised expectations. However, with its impressive cast and intriguing storyline, it appears ready to meet the challenge.
What is Towards Zero about?
Inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel of the same name, Towards Zero revolves around celebrity couple Nevile and Audrey Strange, who make the perplexing choice to spend the summer of 1936 at Gull’s Point in England. This location holds nostalgic significance for them; it’s their childhood home, as well as Nevile’s aunt’s expansive coastal estate. With hints of murder, financial tension, and chaos looming, this scenario is quintessential Christie.
According to the official synopsis from the BBC:
“With unresolved issues between the former lovers [Nevile and Audrey], combined with the presence of Nevile’s new spouse Kay, the atmosphere is fraught. Alongside them is a beleaguered lady’s companion, a cryptic gentleman’s valet, a resentful cousin, a wise family lawyer, a curious orphan, and a French swindler—murder is inevitable. A troubled detective must regain his resolve to untangle a perilous web of jealousy, deceit, and turmoil. Will he crack the case before another life is lost?”
Towards Zero boasts a remarkable cast
In truth, you might find yourself tuning into Towards Zero simply for its star-studded cast. The lineup is extraordinary!
The legendary Anjelica Huston stars as family matriarch Lady Tressilian, complemented by Matthew Rhys as Inspector Leach and Oliver Jackson-Cohen as the well-known British tennis player, Nevile Strange. Additional cast members include Ella Lily Hyland as Audrey, Nevile’s ex-wife, Mimi Keene as his current wife Kay, Clarke Peters as Mr. Treves, Anjana Vasan as Mary Aldin, and Jack Farthing as Thomas Royde. The expanded cast features Jackie Clune, Grace Doherty, Khalil Gharbia, and Adam Hugill.
Towards Zero will comprise three hour-long episodes, set to debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the U.K., as well as on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada next year. The specific release date is yet to be announced. Filming took place in and around Bristol and along the Devon coast, promising viewers a taste of summer enjoyment and elegant beach gatherings, not to mention a detour to Wimbledon!
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