Gugu Mbatha-Raw is about to unleash her unique brand of magic on our screens once again, this time as the lead in Sky's gripping new thriller Possession. This six-part series is a visceral ride into the dark heart of Britain's colonial past, and Mbatha-Raw is perfectly cast as Claudia, a Bristol-based lawyer who finds herself drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens to consume her.
On paper, Claudia's assignment seems straightforward: sort out an inheritance case in Jamaica after a wealthy plantation owner bites the dust. But as she delves deeper into the mystery, Mbatha-Raw's character is confronted with the complex legacy of slavery and its lingering spectres. The fact that Claudia has Jamaican roots of her own adds another layer to the narrative, raising questions about identity, history, and the power of inherited trauma.
The show hurtles between modern-day Jamaica and the brutal realities of plantation life, introducing us to enigmatic characters like Cudjoe East, a man who claims to be an enslaved soul cursed to roam the Earth for centuries. Meanwhile, Claudia is not alone in her battles – other characters are also grappling with possession by the spirits of their ancestors, adding a sense of claustrophobia and dread to the narrative.
Filmed on location in Jamaica, Possession benefits from the vision of director Storm Saulter, a Jamaican filmmaker known for his nuanced explorations of the island's complex histories. The show is a vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture, incorporating music, traditional masquerade rituals, and Obeah – a spiritual practice that's been marginalised by colonial powers but remains an integral part of the island's heritage.
Mbatha-Raw has built a career on choosing projects that challenge conventional narratives and push boundaries in British drama. From her breakout role as Dido Elizabeth Belle in Belle to her critically-acclaimed performances in Black Mirror, The Morning Show, and Surface, she's consistently shown a willingness to take on complex, intellectually ambitious roles that have something meaningful to say. And with Possession, she's once again set the bar high – this is one series you won't want to miss.
The show premieres on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK, so mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling ride into the heart of darkness.