OPEN WATER: FIRST LOOK IMAGES FROM NEW BBC DRAMA BASED ON CALEB AZUMAH NELSON'S DEBUT NOVEL
The BBC has released first-look pictures from Open Water, the forthcoming eight-part drama for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, based on Caleb Azumah Nelson's acclaimed debut novel. Starring Toheeb Jimoh (Industry, Ted Lasso) and Dujonna Gift (Ludwig, Snow White) as Marcus and Effie. The series has recently wrapped filming on locations in Birmingham and London.
Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate, undeniable connection.
But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel. It’s a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?
They seem destined for each other, their crush evolving into a love that is ocean deep. But love is never enough, and their path towards one another is treacherous. Will they sink or swim in open water?
The first-look pictures offer a glimpse into the emotionally rich world of Open Water. Tender, intimate and cinematic, they capture the connection between Marcus and Effie as they navigate love, creativity and desire. Open Water is a moving story of longing, belonging and the courage to open yourself to love.
Caleb Azumah Nelson says: “The process of bringing Open Water from page to screen has been amazing, and I’ve found some truly outstanding collaborators. We rarely see love stories like this and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production to make it happen. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”
Toheeb Jimoh says: “This is a dream project for me. I fell in love with Marcus and Caleb’s story immediately. It’s such a sensitive, character rich, love story, delicately told and full of all the details of the south London I grew up in. It’s such an honour to be a part of this team and I can’t wait to share this one with you all.”
Dujonna Gift says: “There are certain roles that remind you why you once fell in love with storytelling and for me, this is one of them. To be able to step into Effie’s shoes and to bring a South London love story to screen, a story that many people already have been able to fall in love with, that is deeply rooted in the communities that shaped me is such an honour. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this new life of Caleb’s beautiful writing and for us all to swim with Effie & Marcus”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Open Water is a deeply romantic and beautifully observed story that has captivated readers around the world. With Caleb at the helm, and Toheeb and Dujonna leading a brilliant cast, we're thrilled to bring this powerful and distinctive love story to BBC audiences.”
Open Water (8x30) is made by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
