“Sometimes I think if a guy had swept me off my feet, I would have gone the path of least resistance,” says Leila (Desiree Akhavan) in the new trailer for Channel 4’s upcoming comedy “The Bisexual.” Following the end of a 10-year relationship with another woman, Leila is left to contemplate what she really wants out of life — and how her own sexuality fits into that.
“The Bisexual” follows Leila as she moves out of the home she shared with her girlfriend and business partner (Maxine Peake). She rents a room from an awkward novelist (Brian Gleeson) who eventually helps her navigate the world of dating men. Per Deadline, Eva Birthistle (“Brooklyn”), John Dagliesh (“Justice League”), Naomi Ackie (“Lady Macbeth”), Niamh Algar (“The Virtues”) and newcomers Saskia Chana and Michelle Guillot round out the ensemble cast.
In addition to starring, “Girls” alum Akhavan serves as the series’ co-writer, director, and creator. The project sees her once again pair with collaborator Cecilia Frugiele, who worked on Akhavan’s “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and “Appropriate Behavior.” It is exec produced by Naomi de Pear and produced by Katie Carpenter.
Akhavan stressed that the series is not autobiographical, but it did find truth in inspiration. “I’ve never identified as a lesbian and came out as bisexual from the start,” she explained. “But the characters in it are inspired by the people Cecilia and I know and love, so it comes from a very personal place. It’s a look at London and particularly Hackney as we know it.”
She also explained how location made all the difference: “I don’t think I would have had any of the freedom I had. I was given such a long leash. Between Sister Pictures and Naomi de Pear and Channel 4, it was incredible. They were constantly saying: “We want you to take it further.” They were my enablers. I just feel like I’d never have been able to take the risks that I took if I’d made this show anywhere else.”
Akhavan’s latest feature took home the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” stars Chloë Grace Moretz as a teen forced into a gay conversion therapy center by her guardians.
“The Bisexual” premieres on the UK’s Channel 4 October 10. It will eventually stream on Hulu in the U.S.
