Sex, revenge and rats... grim thriller with a nasty bite

Olivier Award-winning actor Denise Gough stars in Paula, the chilling psychological thriller from playwright Conor Mcpherson.

Sparks fly, blood spills and rats rise up from below in this eerie revenge, three-part drama also starring Tom Hughes and Owen Mcdonnell.

Paula (Gough) and James (Hughes) are worlds apart.

Paula is a respected science teacher, whereas James scratches a living day to day doing maintenance jobs, stealing from his poorly mother and sleeping with his clients.

When Paula hears strange scuttling noises in her basement, she hires James to exterminate the rats, and silence her fears.

The two share a onenight stand, in a fleeting moment of passion that will have a brutal impact on Paula’s life.

VICIOUS

She is quickly pulled into a vicious game of cat and mouse with James. Everything in Paula’s life – her job, family, friends – is drawn into this dark new world.

James seems to lurk on every street corner and behind every shadow – along with looming ghosts and silenced children, buried shame and secrets.

As James’ grip strengthens, Paula’s “normal” life shatters.

Local detective and confidante Mac (Owen Mcdonnell) struggles to protect her. Paula is forced to dig deep, and access the very darkest depths of her soul, in a battle to survive.

How well can we ever truly know ourselves – and how far would we go if pushed to the edge?

The new series is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The Fall’s Denise Gough will no doubt leave those watching wanting more.

Paula airs on RTE One Wednesday at 9.35pm.