Jenna Coleman Drama ‘The Cry’ Lands at Sundance Now in the U.S.

By Stewart Clarke

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – AMC Networks’ Sundance has acquired “The Cry” for the Now streaming service. Starring  Jenna Coleman (“Victoria”), the four-part series will play on the Sundance linear channel after its SVOD launch.

The psychological drama is an adaptation of Helen FitzGerald’s bestselling book of the same name. It stars Coleman and Ewen Leslie (“Top of the Lake: China Girl”), and follows a child abduction and the impact it has on the family as they face the scrutiny of the media.

Jan Diedrichsen, general manager of Sundance Now, said: “’ The Cry ’ is exactly the sort of top-quality, psychological thriller that our discerning audience craves, and we are excited to be the exclusive home of ‘The Cry’ in the U.S.”

In the U.K., the series will air on the BBC and in Australia on its pubcaster counterpart the ABC. “The Cry” is produced by Glasgow-based Synchronicity Films with the backing of Creative Scotland, December Media, Film Victoria and Sunbird Media Ltd. Filming took place in Scotland and Australia.

DRG handles distribution and did the Sundance deal. It is lining up further pre-sales. “Synchronicity’s vision for the book and high-profile lead cast allowed us to bring ABC in as a co-production partner early on, and these same factors – now coupled with beautifully shot footage – are generating extensive pre-sale conversations,” said Elin Thomas, DRG’s EVP of sales.

Coleman will also soon be seen in the third season  of “Victoria,” which is on ITV in the U.K. and PBS in the U.S.