Smith leads itvx thriller ‘two birds’ – australian setting, baxter family secrets
Sheridan Smith’s formidable reputation – a legacy built on everything from the gritty realism of ‘The Cage’ to the poignant portrayal of Cilla Black – is poised for another dramatic leap with ITVX’s ‘Two Birds’. But this isn’t simply revisiting a familiar territory; it’s a venture into the stark beauty of the Australian outback, and a deeply unsettling exploration of grief, trust, and buried secrets.
A widow’s reckoning in dugdale
The premise is deceptively simple: British Police Constable Izzie Cornwell, recently widowed and desperately seeking a fresh start, arrives in the remote fictional town of Dugdale. Her hope – to reconnect with her sister, relocated to Kalgoorlie, and rebuild a fractured relationship with her 20-year-old daughter, scarred by Izzie’s recent instability – quickly unravels when a murder investigation thrusts her into the heart of a notorious local crime family, led by the ruthlessly powerful Mrs. Baxter. It’s a setup brimming with potential, layering personal trauma against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic, yet undeniably dark, landscape.
The series, penned by Helen FitzGerald (‘The Cry’) and produced by Patrick Spence (‘Mr Bates vs. The Post Office’), promises a slow-burn thriller, meticulously constructed to exploit the tension between Izzie’s fragile emotional state and the increasingly dangerous web she becomes entangled in. The show’s scale – a significant investment from ITVX – speaks volumes about its ambition.
A stellar cast, including davis and peacocke
Smith’s casting is, of course, the cornerstone. She embodies a captivating complexity as Izzie, a woman wrestling with profound loss and determined to forge a new path, even if that path leads her directly into the crosshairs of a criminal empire. Supporting her is Stephen Peacocke as Matt, the stoic Perth Homicide Detective assigned to assist Izzie – a dynamic built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice. But it’s Judy Davis, playing the chilling matriarch Mrs. Baxter, who undeniably steals the scene. Her reputation precedes her; Davis is a force of nature, capable of delivering both terrifying menace and unexpected vulnerability. The ensemble cast, featuring Australian actors in supporting roles, adds another layer of authenticity to the story’s setting.
Release date and what to expect
While the exact release date remains shrouded in the customary ITVX ambiguity – currently slated for 2027, with filming underway in Australia – the anticipation is palpable. Smith’s Instagram bio, a cryptic ‘Currently filming in Australia ??’, serves as a potent reminder of the show’s ongoing production. Expect a six-part series, meticulously crafted to deliver a sustained, unsettling atmosphere.