FX
Renowned author Patrick Radden Keefe released his highly praised book, “Say Nothing: A True Story of Memory and Murder in Northern Ireland,” in 2018. The book quickly gained recognition and acclaim, landing on The New York Times bestseller list and bagging the prestigious 2019 National Book Critics Circle Award for nonfiction. As ardent fans of the book, my colleague Jacob Hall and I have had several discussions about it on our /Film Daily podcast. We were both deeply moved by the book’s gripping narrative and its insightful portrayal of the Troubles, a tumultuous era in Northern Ireland’s history.
Recently, “Say Nothing” has been reimagined as a TV series on FX on Hulu. Having watched more than half of the nine-episode series, I’m taken aback by how well the adaptation encapsulates the book’s raw intensity, vibrancy, and ethical complexity. If the series has eluded your radar — which is quite likely, given the somewhat subdued marketing compared to other FX shows like “Shogun” — I strongly recommend giving it a watch. It ranks as some of the top television content you’ll come across in 2024.
Immersive Exploration of the Troubles in FX’s Say Nothing
FX
Apart from the superior writing, focused direction from emerging talents, and stellar performances from an expansive ensemble cast, the series owes its success largely to its impressive production and costume design. In most period dramas, it often appears as though the filmmakers are restricted in their camera movement to avoid revealing modern elements that may ruin the illusion. However, “Say Nothing” defies this norm. The series feels dynamically alive, dangerously free, and incredibly immersive — almost as if you’ve stepped into a documentary.
Transporting viewers back to the 1960s and ’70s (and possibly even further, I’ve yet to see), the series plunges us into the heart of the conflict between the Irish Republican Army and the British forces. Regrettably, there’s a timeless quality to some of the themes explored here. The enduring debates about terrorism versus freedom fighting, colonial oppression, and the price of freedom are examined in challenging ways that may unsettle viewers. In a media space that often caters to undemanding consumption, this is a series that dares to nudge and stir us in ways that I find refreshing.
I touched on “Say Nothing” in the latest episode of the /Film Daily podcast, which you can tune into below (and if you’re interested in more from Patrick Radden Keefe, his captivating podcast “Winds of Change” was a great companion for me in 2020):
Feel free to subscribe to /Film Daily on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or your preferred podcast provider, and send your feedback, queries, comments, concerns, and mailbag topics to us at bpearson@slashfilm.com. Please include your name and general geographic location in case we read out your e-mail on the air.
FAQs
Q: What is “Say Nothing” about?
A: “Say Nothing” is a nonfiction book by Patrick Radden Keefe that delves into the Troubles, a violent era in Northern Ireland’s history. It has been adapted into a TV series on FX on Hulu.
Q: Where can I watch the “Say Nothing” series?
A: You can watch the “Say Nothing” series on FX on Hulu.
Q: Where can I listen to the /Film Daily podcast?
A: You can subscribe to /Film Daily on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
