First Look: Marlon James' Gripping Crime Noir Get Millie Black to Premiere on Channel 4 and HBO

Images: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Motive Pictures, known for producing The Woman in the Wall, has just revealed the first images of its highly anticipated series Get Millie Black. This five-part crime noir is set to make waves when it debuts on Channel 4 and HBO next year. A gripping and unflinching portrayal of both personal and societal issues, Get Millie Black marks the screenwriting debut of Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, making it a must-watch for 2024.

An All-Star Cast and Intriguing Plot

The series stars Tamara Lawrance, Joe Dempsie, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, and Chyna McQueen in pivotal roles. At the heart of the story is Millie-Jean Black, portrayed by Lawrance, a bold and inimitable police detective. After leaving Scotland Yard, Millie returns home to Jamaica, where she finds herself in the midst of a complex missing persons case. The investigation, however, takes a darker turn, forcing her to confront unsettling truths about both her past and present.

Millie-Jean is a complex character a woman raised in London but born in Jamaica, who struggles to belong fully to either culture. This tension between identities forms a core part of the show's emotional depth, offering a unique lens through which the audience experiences Kingston, a vibrant city rarely depicted with such authenticity on screen.

Supporting Millie's journey is a fascinating ensemble of characters. Her partner on the Jamaican Police Force, Curtis (played by Gershwyn Eustache Jnr), is a brilliant officer grappling with the pressures of keeping his personal life secret. Joe Dempsie's Luke Holborn is a manipulative Scotland Yard inspector with hidden motives, while Chyna McQueen's portrayal of Hibiscus a 'gully queen' adds another layer to this rich tapestry of personalities. Dorothy 'Patra' Smith rounds out the cast as Hit Girl, a go-go-club owner and underworld figure with entrepreneurial ambition.

A Fresh, Authentic Take on Kingston

Get Millie Black promises to deliver a raw, unfiltered look at Kingston, a city too often overlooked or misrepresented in television. Marlon James, known for his vivid storytelling in novels like A Brief History of Seven Killings, brings his literary prowess to the screen, creating an authentic and dynamic version of Kingston, filled with characters who reflect the diversity, culture, and struggles of the island.

James' nuanced depiction of Kingston goes beyond mere scenery; it serves as a character in its own right. Through Millie's eyes, viewers will experience a Jamaica far removed from tourist brochures a place alive with tension, beauty, and the often harsh realities of life. The series promises to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the personal costs of societal expectations, making it both timely and universally relatable.

The Team Behind the Scenes

Commissioned by Channel 4 and co-produced with HBO, Get Millie Black is backed by FIFTH SEASON and produced by Motive Pictures. Marlon James serves as an executive producer alongside Jami O'Brien, Leopoldo Gout, and Simon Maxwell for Motive Pictures, ensuring the series stays true to his vision. Tanya Hamilton, who also directs, serves as co-executive producer, with Joshua St. Johnston contributing to the writing.

The show's writing team includes Theresa Ikoko and Lydia Adetunji, promising a strong, diverse narrative voice throughout the series. Directors Annetta Laufer and Jean Luc Herbulot helm various episodes, further shaping the visual and emotional tone of this distinctive drama.

A New Benchmark for Crime Noir

With Get Millie Black, Marlon James brings his trademark storytelling talent to the screen, crafting a crime drama that's more than just a whodunit it's an exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of life in modern Jamaica. The all-star cast and team of experienced writers and directors ensure that the series will offer a fresh, bold take on the crime genre.

As the first look images suggest, Get Millie Black will be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant series, offering viewers a story that is both intensely personal and socially relevant. With its premiere set for next year, this is a series that promises to set a new standard for crime noir, blending thrilling narratives with deep character exploration.

Channel 4 and HBO have once again teamed up to produce a show that is sure to be one of the standout dramas of 2024. Keep an eye on Get Millie Black it's bound to captivate audiences across the globe.