Bruna Papandrea’s production company, Made Up Stories, has secured the rights to adapt Sally Hepworth’s gripping novel, ‘Darling Girls,’ into a television series. A title that has resonated with readers, it has already carved its niche as a New York Times bestseller within a short span of its release. The book is often described as a “page-turning thriller that intertwines sisterhood, secrets, and murder,” making it a fitting candidate for the small screen.
The novel revolves around three sisters—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia—who return to their childhood home only to uncover layers of buried truths following the discovery of a body under their beloved foster family’s house. Initially painted as a tale of second chances, the sisters soon realize that their past is fraught with complications that challenge their perceptions of their idyllic upbringing. This juxtaposition of nostalgia and the stark reality presents a layered narrative ripe for dramatic exploration.
Leading the adaptation is Orlagh Collins, an accomplished Irish screenwriter and producer, who will serve as the executive producer and showrunner. The collaboration with Papandrea, alongside producers Steve Hutensky and Katie Amos, signals a promising alliance. The team aims to breathe life into Hepworth’s narrative, bringing its emotional depth and suspense to a wider audience. Their previous success with adaptations like ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘The Undoing’ showcases their ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with viewers.
Made Up Stories has also recently acquired the rights to Zoe Foster Blake’s novel ‘Things Will Calm Down Soon,’ indicating a strong commitment to producing female-centered narratives that uncover the complexities of womanhood. The articulate choice of material not only reflects current trends in media but also addresses the audience’s demand for intricate plots and multifaceted characters.
Interestingly, the adaptation comes at a time when the film and television industry is undergoing significant changes. While overall prudence has emerged in Hollywood due to the “streamer reset” and a tightening of budgets, the market for book-to-screen adaptations remains resilient. Storytelling continues to thrive in this domain, with creators and production companies actively seeking out rich narratives to translate to visual formats.
In a statement about the project, the team at Made Up Stories expressed their enthusiasm for crafting engaging thrillers centered around complex female characters. Hepworth herself echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the depth of her characters and their formidable bond amidst a tenuous investigation. This focus on sisterhood speaks volumes about the unfolding dynamics in modern storytelling—it’s not just about the plot twists but also the intricate relationships that propel the narrative forward.
As anticipation builds for the ‘Darling Girls’ series, it’s clear that the forthcoming adaptation is not merely about replicating the book’s plotlines. Instead, it aims to delve deeper into the emotional and psychological landscape of its characters. By exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the power of familial bonds, the series could redefine the thriller genre while paying homage to its literary roots. The pairing of Hepworth’s skillful storytelling with Made Up Stories’ creative vision sets the stage for an adaptation that may captivate audiences across the globe.