The Rapture, a new psychological thriller series, follows forensic psychologist Gabs Fox as she investigates a teenager accused of murder with alleged psychic abilities.
The BBC is set to premiere a gripping new psychological thriller series, The Rapture on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, July 26. This five-part series, filmed in Wales delves into the complex relationship between a forensic psychologist and a teenager accused of a heinous crime.
The series is an adaptation of Liz Jensen’s bestselling eco-thriller, written by award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings and Rebecca Manley. It stars Ruth Madeley as Dr. Gabs Fox and India Amarteifio as Bethany Krall, a 17-year-old girl who claims to have the ability to predict catastrophes.
The Plot and Characters
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a sweltering Welsh heatwave, with demonstrators taking to the streets. Dr. Gabs Fox, a forensic psychologist, starts a new role at a high-security psychiatric institution where she encounters Bethany Krall.
Bethany was sectioned two years earlier following the brutal murder of her mother, Carys Krall.
Bethany’s father, Leonard Krall, is the charismatic leader of the Faith Way, a spiritual movement with millions of online followers. Bethany appears to possess private details about Gabs’ life and insists she can see visions of the future, which she conveys through disturbing sketches of disasters like storms, fires, and floods. Gabs remains unconvinced and determined to find a clinical explanation for Bethany’s claims.
Themes and Production
The Rapture explores contemporary issues such as climate anxiety, corruption, spiritual yearning, and the deep bonds we form in times of crisis. The series is produced by Mammoth Screen part of ITV Studios and directed by Eva Sigurđardóttir and Jennifer Perrott.
The ensemble cast includes Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman, Robert Rhodes, and Ruth Jones. The series is described as a high-octane thriller bristling with tension, with the characters’ relationships and the unfolding mystery keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Cast and Crew Insights
Ruth Madeley, who plays Dr. Gabs Fox, shared her thoughts on the character: “Gabs is a clinical psychologist for adolescents. She is a wheelchair user with an acquired disability following a spinal cord injury from a car accident and is now living in Wales after having spinal rehab.” Madeley also highlighted the importance of the character’s journey and the themes of mental health, disability, and female life.
India Amarteifio, who portrays Bethany Krall, described her character as misunderstood and passionate. “Bethany is dead set on finding who murdered her mum, which affects her behaviour. She’s steadfast and focused on that goal,” Amarteifio said. The actress also mentioned the intense and suspenseful nature of the series, which keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
The Rapture is a Mammoth Screen production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The five-part series will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on July 26 and on BBC One at 9pm the same day.
