Say Nothing: The FX drama exploring Ireland’s turbulent past
By Ed Malaker
Say Nothing is a new show streaming on Hulu from FX that examines the tumultuous period known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland. It uses Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed nonfiction book Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland as its source material and is sure to interest anyone who enjoys drama about political conflict, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of loyalty.
Plot and themes
The Troubles was a violent conflict that took place from the late 1960s to 1998 between Catholic republicans seeking Irish independence and Protestant loyalists. The series follows two sisters, Dolours and Marian Price, who are deeply involved in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and tells their journey from passionate activism to profound disillusionment.
It covers themes of political violence, moral ambiguity, and the personal costs of ideological warfare. The narrative also intertwines with the tragic story of Jean McConville, a widowed mother of ten who was abducted and never seen again.
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Cast and notable performances
There were several great actors in Say Nothing, with Lola Petticrew delivering an especially believable performance as young Dolours Price. Maxine Peake, as older Dolours Price, also shined and perfectly captured Dolours’ evolution after years in the IRA.
Other great performances include Hazel Doupe as Marian Price, Anthony Boyle as Brendan Hughes, and Josh Finan as Gerry Adams. Both Petticrew and Boyle are natives of West Belfast, bringing authentic perspectives to their roles.
Filming locations and production insights
To authentically depict the era, they filmed the series in various locations across the United Kingdom. One location was Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset, England, which served as the primary location and provided a realistic setting for the prison scenes. Another was Sheffield, England, which they used to represent to represent urban life during the 1970s and 1980s.
The production team took great care to ensure historical accuracy, from set designs to costumes, immersing viewers in the period’s ambiance. The series also features a haunting soundtrack that complements its intense narrative and enhances the drama in many scenes. Sion Trefor, who started composing in 2015, created the original script and worked on several shorts before this.
Who is this series for?
We at HuluWatcher highly recommend Say Nothing to history enthusiasts, true crime fans, and drama lovers. It’s also a good choice for people who enjoy political thrillers and those looking for a strong female lead.
Overall, the show is gripping, informative, and worth the watch. Let us know what you think.
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