“Say Nothing”: Understand the conflict in Northern Ireland

WEB DESK: The FX limited series “Say Nothing” immediately captured viewers’ hearts as the gripping series explores the tumultuous times during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The nine-episode series airing on Hulu is adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe’s celebrated 2018 book.

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Many viewers described the series as relatable, decades after the Troubles ended. Many drew comparisons to the current conflict in the Middle East.

The series’ portrayal of relentless cycle of violence and its consequences struck a chord with millions of viewers. Critics praised “Say Nothing” for its raw, gritty depiction, with praise heaped on the main characters for capturing emotions so perfectly.

The series is centred around the consequences of what happened to the widowed Jean McConville. The mother-of-ten was kidnapped and brutally murdered by the Irish Republican Amy (IRA) in 1972.

The kidnap-murder case serves as the backdrop upon which the rest of the story rotates.

The series primarily follows two IRA operatives, Dolours Price (Lola Petticrew and Maxine Peake), and Brendan Hughes (Anthony Boyle).

“Say Nothing”, much like the name, shows the older versions of the two IRA operatives look back on their past actions. It explores their feelings surrounding the kidnap-murder of McConville.

The series explores the themes of radicalisation, violence begetting violence, and the allure of armed struggle against a perceived brutal enemy.

The series does not shy away from depicting a raw, realistic take on terrorism as a means of achieving political ends. From car bombs to killings of suspected informants, to political maneuvering on government levels.  

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It offers a neutral view of every party involved in the conflict, taking no sides.

Say Nothing humanises its characters, preferring to show consequences of a conflict on so many instead of the usual action, black-and-white fanfare Hollywood dishes out.