Gemma Chan, Samantha Morton, and Vicky McClure struggle with societal expectations, unhealthy romances, and financial woes in a new trailer for Channel 4’s “I Am.” Consisting of three separate episodes, each named after its lead character, the UK show relies heavily on improvisation. The three actresses at its center were encouraged to draw on personal experience “rather than working strictly from the script,” Variety details.
“I don’t want you to miss out on building a family,” Hannah (Chan) is told in the spot. “Like many women I know, Hannah is struggling with the anxiety that comes with living in a society that constantly reminds women about their ‘biological clock,’” said the “Crazy Rich Asians” star. “At its core, her story is about someone trying to free themselves from expectation, both internal and external.”
“This isn’t what love should feel like,” Nicola (McClure, “Line of Duty”) tells the man she’s in a dysfunctional relationship with. “Every day we created moments we didn’t know existed until we were in the moment,” the “Line of Duty” actress recalled, emphasizing that she was “reacting rather than acting.”
The clip shows Kirsty (Morton) being asked if she needs money. She’s struggling to maintain stability within her family and is forced to make sacrifices along the way. “Kirsty’s story is deeply influenced by my own experiences and is autobiographical at its heart,” the “Harlots” star explained. “Sadly, the issues explored in this show – poverty, austerity, desperation – are all too real for so many people and I feel strongly that it’s so important that we can speak openly about that.”
No word on a premiere date for “I Am” just yet.
