Latest news with #Blethyn
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera's Brenda Blethyn looks unrecognisable as she bids farewell to iconic role
The 79-year-old actress will debut her new film, Dragonfly, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August, after it was met with glowing reviews at Tribeca Brenda Blethyn is set to star in the gripping new thriller Dragonfly, a far cry from her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope, with the film set to premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August. The movie follows the story of Colleen, played by Andrea Riseborough, who takes it upon herself to care for her elderly neighbour Elise, portrayed by Blethyn, amidst concerns that the professionals are not doing an adequate job. However, it remains to be seen whether Colleen has ulterior motives or if those around her are simply making unfounded judgments. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Jason Watkins as John, Sandra Huggett as Mary, and Lolly Jones as Jane. Having garnered widespread critical acclaim at Tribeca, Dragonfly has already achieved an impressive 92% approval rating, reports the Express. Since her departure from the hit series Vera, the 79 year old actress has gone on to take on a string of exciting new projects, including the highly anticipated historical comedy Fools. Directed by Paul Andrew Williams, Blethyn's latest venture has been hailed as a "stark, fierce and wonderfully acted film" by The Guardian. The Film Stage praised the film, saying: "Williams and his brilliant cast create a film that is equal-parts tender and shocking, turning horror tropes on their head." NYC Movie Guru lauded Blethyn's performance as award-worthy, adding: "What begins as a slow-burning and tender drama with shades of Mike Leigh turns into a dark and gripping Hitchcockian thriller. "Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough give powerful and Oscar-worthy performances that ground the film in raw authenticity." Brenda's latest role comes almost a year after she was spotted filming her final scenes for Vera in Newcastle. ITV left fans heartbroken when they announced in spring 2024 that the beloved detective drama would conclude this year, following a triumphant 14-year run. The plot summary for Dragonfly is as follows: "Disgusted with the state of care that her elderly neighbour Elsie is receiving, Colleen offers to help for free. "Over tea and through trying moments, the pair become trusted confidants despite their differences. But Colleen's intentions may not be exactly as they seem. As suspicions grow, a shocking act triggers a violent chain reaction that threatens to irreparably alter the lives of both women." Dragonfly will premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brenda Blethyn to lead Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance
Vera actress Brenda Blethyn is to lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's novel A Woman Of Substance. The eight-episode series is a rags-to-riches tale set in 1911 that follows Blethyn's character, impoverished Yorkshire maid Emma Harte, as she heads up a business empire. Blethyn, 79, follows in the footsteps of Deborah Kerr, who played Emma in the original Channel 4 drama, which aired 40 years ago. She said: 'I'm overjoyed to be taking on this iconic role, in the footsteps of the great Deborah Kerr. 'As a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, it is an unmissable opportunity to play the fierce Emma Harte.' Irish actress Jessica Reynolds, who will play a younger version of Emma, said: 'To be a part of A Woman Of Substance and to step into the shoes of Emma is an absolute dream for me. 'The team and cast we have behind this are truly inspiring and I'm so excited to bring the stunning scripts and this great piece of literature to the screen.' The cast ensemble also includes Irish actor Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Line Of Duty's Will Mellor as Jack Harte, and TV Bafta winner Lenny Rush as Frank Harte. Rebecca Holdsworth, commissioning editor, drama, at Channel 4, said: 'Attracting an ensemble cast of this quality is testament to Katherine (Jakeways) and Roanne's (Bardsley) exceptional scripts. 'We are so excited to be bringing this fresh, sexy and bold adaptation of an iconic book to Channel 4.' The 1985 TV adaptation of A Woman Of Substance starred Liam Neeson, with Jenny Seagrove playing a young Emma Harte. It garnered two Emmy nominations, including for Kerr, who played a grown-up Emma. Earlier this year Blethyn appeared in the role of Detective Vera Stanhope for one last time when the ITV drama series aired its final episode. Transmission details for A Woman Of Substance will be announced in due course.
