What is The Victim about?
New four-part thriller The Victim explores the idea that sometimes the lines between the plaintiff and the accused in a case can blur, and will force viewers to consider who is really “the victim”.
The drama centres around Anna Dean, whose son was murdered 15 years ago. She stands accused of revealing the identity of her son’s killer online, and conspiring to have him killed.
With his name out in the public domain, family man Craig Myers is viciously attacked, but could the whole thing be a sad case of mistaken identity, or is he really guilty?
With Anna on trial at Edinburgh’s High Court, viewers will also get to see the events that led us to this point, as they assess whether her grief has turned her into a killer.
Sympathies will be divided as both sides of the case are investigated, with devastating secrets uncovered.
Who is in The Victim cast?
Kelly Macdonald as Anna Dean
Kelly plays the role of grieving mum Anna. As a result of her son’s death, she can be abrasive and disagreeable, but her world is turned upside down yet again when she is accused of plotting to kill her son’s murderer.
Where have I seen Kelly MacDonald before? The Scottish actor has appeared in a whole host of roles on both sides of the pond.
She has starred in films including Trainspotting, Gosford Park, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Nanny McPhee, Finding Neverland and Goodbye Christopher Robin. Her most famous TV role was that of Margaret Thompson in Boardwalk Empire from 2010 to 2014.
James Harkness as Craig Myers
Craig is a family man, who earns a living as a bus driver and has worked hard to overcome his tough start in life. He is the subject of an attack when he is named online as the killer of Anna’s son.
Where have I seen James Harkness before? After guest roles in the likes of Silent Witness, James has had a number of small parts in a number of films, including 2015′s Macbeth, the Oscar-winning Darkest Hour and Star Wars spin-off Rogue One.
John Hannah as DI Steven Grover
DI Grover is leading the criminal investigation into the events leading up to the legal proceedings, although it seems he has his own reasons for wanting to crack the case.
Where have I seen John Hannah before? Most will recognise John for his breakthrough role as Matthew in Four Weddings And A Funeral. He has appeared a numerous other films, including Sliding Doors and The Mummy franchise.
Small screen viewers may also know him for his roles in shows including Rebus, New Street Law, Atlantis, A Touch Of Cloth and Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Why should I watch The Victim?
While much of the action will take place against the backdrop of Anna’s trial, the cast have insisted this is not a courtroom drama.
Kelly explains: “It’s about family dynamics, it’s a mystery, it’s a thriller, but it’s grounded and real. It takes one tragic event and shows the domino effect on so many people.”
“During an episode your loyalties will be shifting and moving; it’ll keep everyone on their toes.”
James adds: “It’s definitely something you can come back to and watch two or three times and see it in different ways.”
It is also likely to appeal to fans of true crime as John remarks it has a vibe of a “dramatised documentaries”.
Its Scottish setting will also have an impact on how the events unfold too.
Creator Rob Williams says: “There are subtle but also quite large differences in the way the Scottish legal system works compared to the English legal system.
“I’ve been interested for a long time in the ripple effect of a crime, not just through a family, but through a community, sometimes through a country.”
When is The Victim on TV?
The series begins on Monday April 8 at 9pm on BBC One, and airs over four consecutive nights.