About The Girl Before

The Girl Before is a 2022 TV series based on the global bestselling novel of the same name by JP Delaney. This gripping BBC miniseries revolves around Jane, a trauma-ridden woman who finds the chance to stay in a minimalist architectural masterpiece: the house of One Folgate Street, designed by an enigmatic architect. The only rules are the extremely peculiar house guidelines, especially not changing anything in the layout, including not placing personal items. But when she finds that a girl before her met with a tragic end, a eerie similar pattern to her own life starts to unfold.

Making / Production

The production of The Girl Before is a masterful work of suspense and mystery. Given the story's revolving nature between the past and the present, the production design team faced a unique challenge in creating the ambiance for different time periods yet keeping the main architectural design constant. This BBC One drama shot in an actual minimalist house, further reinforcing the authenticity and engaging viewers with a visually intriguing setting.

Actors

• Gugu Mbatha-Raw as 'Jane': A brilliant display of trauma-induced anxiety and self-discovery.
• David Oyelowo as 'Edward Monkford': Enigmatic and compelling, an intricate portrayal of the architect.
• Jessica Plummer as 'Emma': An empathetic depiction of the victim of a tragic past.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Girl Before is based on the bestselling novel by JP Delaney, which has been translated into 40 languages.
• Despite focusing on architectural minimalism, the story subtly infuses elements of a psychological thriller.
• The series was filmed during COVID-19 times and followed strict safety precautions during the entire shooting schedule.

Awards

As of now, The Girl Before has yet to receive any awards, but its brilliant acting performances and engaging storyline make it a strong contender for future award nominations.

Quotes

• “Beware ambitions that aren't your own.” -Edward Monkford
• “Everything I am is because of this place.” -Jane

• Every episode opens with a minimalist but engaging soundtrack that perfectly matches the series' theme.
• Ambient sounds and deep bass notes often underline suspenseful scenes, enhancing the psychological thriller aspect.
• Besides the thrilling score, pieces of classical music make their way into the narrative, providing a contrasting sense of peace against the tense atmosphere.