MipDrama’s Portuguese Crime Drama ‘Irreversible’ From ‘Carga’s’ Bruno Gascon Lands at Yellow Affair (EXCLUSIVE)

Annika Pham
·2 min read

Boutique world sales outfit The Yellow Affair has boarded the Portuguese crime thriller “Irreversible,” produced by prestige outfit Caracol Studios for pubcaster RTP.

The upcoming six-part TV show was showcased among 10 exclusive titles at this week’s MipDrama at MipTV in Cannes.

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Created and helmed by the multi-awarded Bruno Gascon (“Carga,” “Shadow”), the thought-provoking series tackles pressing issues such as mental health, illegal adoptions, bullying, homophobia and motherhood. In the title roles are Margarida Vila-Nova (“Mysteries of Lisbon,” “Letters from the War”), Rafael Morais (“Turn of the Tide,” “Glory”), and Laura Dutra (“After Everything,” “Ministéro do Tempo”).

We follow the tormented psychologist Júlia Mendes and inspector Pedro Sousa as they team up to solve a brutal homicide involving a young girl in a coastal town. As they unravel the crime, they battle their own personal demons and strive to keep their lives intact.
In a town where everyone hides something and is willing to do anything to protect their loved ones, the quest for truth may be a costly exercise for Júlia. From the moment the secrets of the past are revealed, everything becomes irreversible and the main question is whether love justifies everything.

“Irreversible” is a compelling blend of social drama and crime/thriller, reflecting my belief that storytelling is a powerful tool to explore societal issues while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats,” says Gascon.

“It’s a gripping crime story with great production value, and is exactly the type of series we feel broadcasters and their audiences will respond well to,” added London-based Steven Bestwick, The Yellow Affair’s head of sales and business affairs. “The story is fluid and compelling, exploring a variety of themes and ethical dilemmas as it builds in intensity all the way to the final episode.”

Producer Joana Domingues of Caracol Studios underlines the show’s stellar cast of Portuguese talent and “the visionary” Gascon. “Irreversible” represents a collaborative effort from RTP and Caracol Studios to redefine the crime genre, infusing it with a distinct Portuguese flavor while pushing the boundaries of storytelling to new heights,” she says.

The series, co-financed by Pic Portugal and Figueira da Foz City Council, is due to launch on RTP in June 2024.

Owned by Scandi TV and film production companies Visiorex, Anagram, Helsinki-filmi and Marianna Films, The Yellow Affair’s TV slate also includes the Icelandic sports drama “Coach” starring Ingvar Sigurdsson (“The Northman,” “Godland”), and the heart-warming Swedish drama “Keep it Together.”

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