The Tattooist of Auschwitz indie, Synchronicity Films, has secured the screen rights to The Good Father, the new thriller by Liam McIlvanney.
Billed as a “gripping, emotionally charged” story set on the Ayrshire coast, The Good Father explores the devastating impact of trauma, family secrets and community suspicion when a child goes missing from the beach outside the family home. “The novel twists and flits around the question: what could be worse than your child disappearing?”
The adaptation will be executive produced by Claire Mundell (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Mayflies, The Cry) and long-term creative collaborator Jacquelin Perske, who will also write all episodes. Perske’s previous credits for Synchronicity include Emmy and Grammy-nominated The Tattooist of Auschwitz and BAFTA-winning thriller The Cry.
Claire Mundell, Founder and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films, said: “We love a brilliant thriller at Synchronicity and Liam’s novel had us hooked from page one. He’s the Scottish Stephen King! The Good Father is deeply suspenseful and propulsive, whilst asking complex moral and emotional questions: qualities that align perfectly with Synchronicity’s passion for adapting bold, compelling and emotionally resonant stories. With our friend and creative collaborator Jacquelin on board to adapt, The Good Father will sit proudly alongside our slate of compelling, premium literary adaptations..”
Liam McIlvanney added: “I’m thrilled that The Good Father has found a home with Synchronicity. Claire and her team have such a gift for bringing complex, human stories to the screen with deep emotional truth and turning them into unforgettable drama. I know Jacquelin will bring huge heart and insight to this adaptation. I can’t wait to see it come to life.”
Jacquelin Perske, Executive Producer and screenwriter comments: “Liam’s story asks such raw, powerful questions about family, trust and how we rebuild after unimaginable loss. It’s impossible not to be drawn to its heartbreaking honesty and the way it explores what happens when the worst thing imaginable doesn’t end, but changes shape. I’m thrilled to be adapting The Good Father for Synchronicity and can’t wait to bring Gordon, Sarah and Rory’s world to the screen.”
Synchronicity’s recent credits include the major international hit The Tattooist of Auschwitz, based on the Sunday Times / New York Times bestseller which premiered on Sky, Stan and Peacock; the BBC One BAFTA award-winning Mayflies based on Andrew O’Hagan’s acclaimed novel; and BAFTA-winning psychological thriller The Cry, based on the thriller by Helen FitzGerald. The company’s upcoming slate includes The Young Team, a six-part drama adaptation for BBC, based on Graeme Armstrong’s literary debut, and a growing pipeline of literary-driven returning drama for UK and international audiences.
The deal was negotiated by Rebecca Watson of Valerie Hoskins Associates (VHA) on behalf of James Gill of Felicity Bryan Associates. The Good Father by Liam McIlvanney is published by Bonnier Books UK.
Jon Creamer
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