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The first trailer for BBC's Black Narcissus is here, and it looks brilliant

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Cosmopolitan

As is usually the case with Autumn television schedules, your evenings are about to be jam packed with thrillers, dramas and must-watch shows. While this year has been a *little* bit unreliable when it comes to productions taking place, we're hoping our diaries are about to be stuffed-full of television goodness.

One of the shows we're most looking forward to is Black Narcissus; a three-part BBC adaptation of the 1939 classic literary novel of the same name. Here's everything you need to know about the tale of forbidden love and sexual repression.

Do we have a Black Narcissus trailer yet?

We're glad you asked, because yes! Our first look at the adaptation dropped on 22 September, and it looks brilliant. Spooky, a bit sexy and very dramatic.

What is the story of Black Narcissus?

Written by Rumer Godden, the classic novel tells the story of Sister Clodagh, a nun who travels to Nepal with her monastery, St Faiths, to set up a branch of their order in the remote town of Mopu.

While there, she settles into the House of Women and finds herself indisputably falling for the land agent Mr Dean, a damaged and complicated man. But she must attempt to control her urges, passions and desires, as her thoughts become entangled with the tragic history of Princess Srimati, and history threatens to repeat itself.

As the story develops, viewers are faced with questions: are there really ghosts here in the Himalayas, or are the nuns just succumbing to long-repressed primal desires? And which of them is prepared to die - or kill - for love?

Announcing the adaptation, writer Amanda Coe says: “I’m thrilled to be adapting Black Narcissus for BBC One. It’s a truly extraordinary love story, as well as a brilliantly unsettling piece of 20th century gothic about the power of a place to get under your skin and the dangers of refusing to learn from history.”

Who will star in Black Narcissus?

The BBC and FX Productions confirmed an all-cast cast for the adaptation, with Gemma Arterton starring as lead Sister Clodagh. Alessandro Nivola of American Hustle and Chimerica will play Mr Dean, while The Iron Lady's Jim Broadbent will play Father Roberts. Aisling Franciosi takes on the role of Sister Ruth, Game of Thrones' Diana Rigg is Mother Dorothea, and Bodyguard's Gina McKee will play Sister Adela.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Also, Prey's Rosie Cavaliero will play Sister Briony, Patsy Ferran will play Sister Blanche, MotherFatherSon's Karen Bryson as Sister Philippa, and newbi Dipika Kunwar as Kanchi.

When will Black Narcissus air?

Filming took place in October 2019 in Jomsom, Nepal and Pinewood Studios, UK. Black Narcissus will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK this December.

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