Dystopian Series ‘Curfew’ Explores Gender-Based Violence with a Radical Solution

‘Curfew,’ a new drama series on Paramount+, has sparked debate with its provocative depiction of a dystopian society where men are subject to a government-imposed curfew in an effort to reduce violence against women. Adapted from Jayne Cowie‘s novel ‘After Dark,’ the series imagines a world where men are electronically tagged and confined to their homes between 7 PM and 7 AM. The narrative explores the tension and questions arising from such extreme preventive measures.

The show opens with the murder of a woman during curfew hours, raising doubts about the system’s effectiveness. Sarah Parish takes on the role of veteran police officer Pamela Green, who remains unyielding in her pursuit of the murderer, challenging societal notions centered around male-perpetrated crime. “What would it look like if, for once, women didn’t have to look over their shoulder?” executive producer Nathalie Peter-Contesse asks, highlighting the show’s underlying theme of shifting safety responsibilities.

Among the series’ cast is Alexandra Burke, known for her musical career since her ‘X Factor‘ days, now playing Helen, a local teacher. Burke remarks, “There’s a lot of fear you feel from just being a woman sometimes,” acknowledging the show’s potential to stir significant conversation about gender and safety. “Not every man is going to be a danger to women,” she adds, emphasizing the complexity and divisive nature of the proposed curfew.

The debate surrounding the show is reminiscent of real-life discussions, such as the controversial suggestion by UK politician Baroness Jenny Jones for a symbolic men’s curfew following the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021. The proposal was a talking point in discussions about the societal expectations placed on women concerning their safety.

Though ‘Curfew’ delves into fictional extremes, it connects to global themes regarding women’s safety, questioning whether superficial measures can indeed tackle deep-rooted societal issues. The series also challenges traditional gender roles by considering the capacity for violence in women, offering a broader view of human behavior.

Accompanying veterans like Larry Lamb and rising stars like Bobby Brazier and Mandip Gill, the ‘Curfew’ ensemble brings these complex narratives to life. The series, available for streaming from October 10, provides a dramatic investigation into the social dynamics of safety and gender.