Paramount+ has greenlit original UK drama, tentatively titled Curfew, from Vertigo Films (Monsters, Britannia, Mammals) in association with Evolutionary Films (I Am Vengeance: Retaliation), which has commenced filming in and around London this month.
The six-part crime thriller is set in a society where all men live under ‘The Women’s Safety Act’, meaning they are bound by a strict curfew from 7PM to 7AM every night, with their movements tracked by an ankle tag 24 hours a day. When a woman’s body is discovered, brutally murdered during curfew hours and left on the steps of the Women’s Safety Centre, veteran Police officer Pamela Green believes that a man is responsible. But in a world where men are bound by the curfew system, her theory is rejected. The introduction of The Women’s Safety Act almost three years ago is widely considered as effective at protecting women, who have been able to go out at night without looking over their shoulders, and nobody wants to hear different.
If Pamela proves a man committed this murder, it could bring The Women’s Safety Act crashing down – people in high places are determined to make the curfew a success and will do all it takes to prevent Pamela from discovering the truth.
Sarah Parish (Stay Close) is Pamela, our lead investigator, whilst Mitchell Robertson (Mayflies) is rookie cop Eddie, who is shadowing Pamela during the investigation. Mandip Gill (Doctor Who) joins the cast as Sarah, an employee at the local tagging centre at the heart of Pamela and Eddie’s investigation. Alexandra Burke (Sister Act) joins the cast as Helen, a well intentioned local school teacher and advocator for the curfew.
The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, and Paul Testar for Paramount+. On the new series order, Testar said: “Curfew is a gripping addition to our UK originals slate for Paramount+. We are excited to be collaborating with the team at Vertigo Films and a brilliant cast to bring this propulsive thriller to life.”
Nathalie Peter-Contesse added: “Curfew is a provocative and thrilling show that aims to contribute to the important conversation around violence against women. We are delighted to work with Paramount+ and Federation to bring it to UK and International audiences.”
Joasia Goldyn (Britannia) is Director on the series, whilst Lydia Yeoman (The Haze) is lead writer. Joining Yeoman in the writing team is Jess Green (EastEnders), who will write episode three and Sumerah Srivastav (Manifest) will write episode five. Allan Niblo, Jane Moore and Nathalie Peter-Contesse are Executive Producers on the series for Vertigo Films, and John Adams (Damaged) joins the team as Producer.
The series will be available exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK, whilst Federation Studios will handle global sales. Curfew joins a rosta of UK scripted originations for Paramount+, including The Flatshare, Sexy Beast, A Gentleman In Moscow, Insomnia and STAGS.
