I love playing shy and sweet characters with dark secrets
Olivia Colman on being one half of real-life mild-mannered couple convicted of murder
Oscar winner Olivia Colman and Harry Potter star David Thewlis take the lead roles in this true crime story, written by Olivia’s real-life husband Ed Sinclair.
The stars play mild-mannered couple Susan and Christopher Edwards, who are convicted of the murder of her parents 15 years previously.
The case hit headlines at the time, with the couple spending much of the deceased’s cash on Hollywood memorabilia.
Olivia explains this is as much a twisted love story as it is a bizarre crime story…
How did the role in Landscapers come about?
Ed was looking for something to write for me, which is very nice. I remember reading a first draft and realising that Ed, knowing me, had put in the sort of scenes and stuff I want to do. Beyond that, I love playing that person who’s timid and shy and sweet but has something hidden and dark behind them.
Tell us about the story…
It’s about a couple who we know from the very beginning have committed murder. You automatically go, ‘Bad! Oh, awful people!’ But then you look into it and they are two gentle people, very devoted to each other, and in love. You don’t know what happened that night [of the murder]. But the fact that there’s historical abuse, that Susan was abused by her father, that does something to a person.
To what extent is it a love story?
It is a total love story. He was her knight in shining armour. He took her away from this place where she was so unhappy and he has done nothing but stand by her side. They’ve got each other’s backs.
We believe Susan’s obsession with Hollywood plays a part…
Yes, it goes quite fantastical. Susan loved 1950s Hollywood movies and as she retreats into her mind to find a place where she feels safe, they all become cowboys like in High Noon for example. It’s not your average true crime drama. I haven’t seen anything like it before. I’m so excited. l Landscapers is on Tuesday, Sky Atlantic, 9pm.