Beneath the veneer of perfection in the exclusive town of Richford Lake, a storm is brewing. The new BBC thriller,Wild Cherry, plunges into a world of privilege and secrets, where the idyllic lives of wealthy mothers are threatened by a shocking scandal involving their daughters.
Actress Carmen Ejogo describes the setting as a stark contrast to the realities of London, a hidden enclave of immense wealth she hadn’t realized existed so close to home. The show exposes a world where parents wield influence over their children’s private school, and where appearances mask a dangerous undercurrent of intrigue.
The series centers on Lorna, played by Ejogo, and Juliet, portrayed by Eve Best, two mothers navigating the treacherous landscape of teenage rebellion and the pervasive influence of social media. Their daughters aren’t simply facing typical adolescent challenges; they are unknowingly being exploited in a digital world that feels increasingly out of control.
The title,Wild Cherry, is layered with meaning, hinting at both a pivotal scene within a cherry grove and the loss of innocence experienced by the young women at the heart of the story. It’s a bold title, fitting for a show penned by Bafta-winning Nicôle Lecky, known for her unflinching and provocative storytelling.
Lecky’s vision extends beyond writing; she also appears on screen as an American life coach, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Ejogo praises Lecky’s ability to capture the full spectrum of the female experience, showcasing women at their strongest and most vulnerable.
Lorna’s own past is shrouded in mystery, revealing a difficult choice she made to advance her career – a relationship with a much older boss. The show fearlessly confronts themes of power dynamics and the compromises women have historically been forced to make, resonating with the conversations sparked by the Me Too movement.
The dynamic between Lorna and Juliet is electric. Juliet is a captivatingly chaotic force, a stark contrast to Lorna’s more reserved nature. Their contrasting personalities create a compelling partnership as they navigate the unfolding crisis.
Ejogo draws on her own experiences as a mother to portray the universal struggle of wanting to empower daughters while simultaneously protecting them from a world that isn’t always supportive. The show delves into the complex arguments and anxieties that define modern parenting.
ButWild Cherryis more than just a character study. It’s a gripping thriller, punctuated by a flashforward that reveals the women desperately trying to conceal evidence of a shocking act. The series promises a ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Ejogo believes the show successfully blends social commentary with thrilling suspense, creating something truly original. She acknowledges the risk of defying genre expectations, but ultimately believes the result is a sophisticated and captivating story that will leave audiences breathless.
The series doesn’t shy away from darkness, exploring themes of betrayal, desperation, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own. It’s a story that will challenge viewers and leave them questioning everything they thought they knew about the seemingly perfect world of Richford Lake.
