Paramount+ has released first look photos for its upcoming UK original drama series “Insomnia,” a six-part adaptation of Sarah Pinborough’s eponymous novel.
The first look photos offer a first glimpse of Vicky McClure (“Line of Duty,” “Trigger Point,” This Is England) in the leading role of Emma Averill, a successful career woman whose dream life unravels into a nightmare. Just weeks before her fortieth birthday, Emma stops sleeping, as her mother had before suffering a violent psychotic breakdown on her own fortieth birthday. Emma’s mother always claimed they shared the same “bad blood,” so now Emma fears she’s losing her mind. As events worsen, Emma’s world unravels, and she realizes only by investigating the painful truths of her past can she find answers to her crumbling present and prevent tragedy from striking again.
The ensemble cast for the series features Tom Cullen (“The Gold”) as Emma’s loving husband Robert; Smylie Bradwell (“Wisting”) and India Fowler (“The Nevers”) as the couple’s children, Will and Chloe; Leanne Best (“Balan’s Shoes”) as Emma’s estranged sister Phoebe; Corinna Marlowe (“Hysteria”) as Emma’s mother Patricia; and Lyndsey Marshal (“Inside Man”) as Caroline, Emma’s friend and confidante. Additional cast members include Dominic Tighe (“Suspicion”) and Jade Harrison (“Wedding Season”) as the Averill’s close friends Julian and Michelle Simpson; Robert Gilbert (“Killing Eve”) as Faisal; and Michelle Bonnard (“Unforgotten”) as D.I. Hildreth.
Börkur Sigthorsson (“The Midwich Cuckoos,” “Baptiste”) directed the series, and joins fellow Executive Producers Andy Harries, Jessica Burdett and Tim Bricknell. Charlotte Essex is Producer on the series. Sarah Pinborough is the writer, who has adapted her novel for screen, as well as serving as Executive Producer. The series was ordered by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, Paramount.
“Insomnia” joins a rosta of UK scripted originations launching on Paramount+, including “The Flatshare,” “Sexy Beast” and “A Gentleman In Moscow.”
Produced by Left Bank in association with All3Media’s Build Your Own Films, INSOMNIA will debut exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK on May 23. Sony Pictures Television handles global sales for the series.
