Despite the BBC’s involvement with Luke Snellin’s Reunion, the miniseries came to TIFF looking for North American streaming rights. And I’m happy that CBC Gem picked this up because for the most part, it’s an important and captivating story. The story is about a deaf man, Daniel Brennan (Matthew Gurney), who comes out of prison.
Daniel serves time after murdering his friend. His second order of business is to look for his daughter, Carly (Lara Peake), who owes people money. Her debt is a bittersweet coincidence because Daniel has own unfinished business just outside of their home city of Sheffield. He convinces Carly to go on a camping road trip while the mystery remains of why he did what he did.
On the big screen, Reunion looks like a throwback BBC crime miniseries, but I like some grainy cinematography. There’s also a shot during a flashback where it shows Daniel remembering a younger Carly but some piping is on the top frame. I don’t know why that struck me as authentic but it does, capturing an unvarnished version of the world.
Daniel’s characterization is good. Even him being illiterate and learning how to read and write speaks to the British education system that leaves children behind, who turn into flawed adults. Besides, the miniseries also showcases Gurney’s amazing performance of a man with different kinds of strengths. And matching his energy is Peake, playing a character who stands up to a man who’s coming back to her life now.
- Rated: Unrated
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/5/2025
- Directed by: Luke Snellin
- Starring: Lara Peake, Matthew Gurney
- Produced by: Helen Ostler
- Studio: BBC, CBC Gem, Showtime
