Ever since Line of Duty and Vigil wrapped, our Sunday nights were looking all too peaceful. That is, until You Don’t Know Me came along. The mini-series, which was created by BBC One in association with Netflix, has already prompted quite the reaction from fans – some of whom have binged all four episodes in one sitting.
The drama is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by barrister Imran Mahmood, who has over 25 years’ worth of experience within the judicial system. You Don’t Know Me is expected to be a searing analysis of the mechanics of a courtroom, with one man on trial for a murder he says he didn’t commit.
In case you need convincing any further, the thriller was adapted by screenwriter Tim Edge, who also wrote Vigil. Yep, this is gonna be good.
Here’s everything we know about You Don’t Know Me:
What is You Don’t Know Me about?
You Don’t Know Me is a suspenseful courtroom drama, which sees an unnamed Black man (named ‘Hero’ in the credits and played by Samuel Adewunmi) charged with murder. Although the evidence is stacked against him – including blood under his fingernails and firearm residue found on his skin – he swears his innocence.
Having sacked his barrister, Hero speaks directly to the jury for his closing statement, detailing his version of events while the viewers see flashbacks to his life before being charged with murder. It all seems to come back to Kyra – his missing girlfriend (played by Sophie Wilde).
The viewers take on a precarious role as members of the jury, to whom Hero says, “The truth is that I’m innocent. I am. I did not kill that boy. I didn’t.”
Who stars in You Don’t Know Me?
The leading role of Hero is played by Samuel Adewunmi, who you may recognise from ITV’s psychological thriller Angela Black. He is joined by Sophie Wilde (this is her second ever TV acting role), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (Tomb Raider), Duayne Boachie, Yetunde Oduwole, Bukky Bakray, and Michael Balogun.
How have fans reacted to You Don’t Know Me?
Let’s just say, fans are ~slightly~ obsessed with the thriller, with hundreds of people taking to Twitter to express their admiration.
One person tweeted, “Just binged this 4-part series. Sublime. Absolutely loved it. WHAT. AN. ENDING.,” with another writing, “Just binged #YouDontKnowMe and am an emotional mess!. Fantastic writing, amazing storyline and incredible actors. My heart is still in my throat.”
There was also a lot of praise for Samuel Adewunmi’s performance, as one viewer tweeted, “#YouDontKnowMe on BBC, loving it so far. Watched Samuel Adewunmi in Angela Black recently and there’s just something about him as an actor. He’s quite mesmerising,” with another fan adding:
“Considering there’s such lengthy narration that could become bogged down and tedious (but doesnt), Samuel Adewunmi is phenomenal in how he orates and acts!! Also really loved the cinematography of this ep. This is really making me want to read the book now too!”
One fan even tweeted, “I thought Samuel Adewunmi was good in Angela Black but just started watching #YouDontKnowMe tonight. Wow he’s so watchable, best new actor I have seen in ages. I could watch him all day. This guy is gonna go places!”
Is there a trailer for You Don’t Know Me?
There sure is! You can watch the trailer for You Don’t Know Me here:
Where can I watch You Don’t Know Me?
You Don’t Know Me is available to watch via BBC iPlayer.
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.