Say Nothing takes viewers deep into the lives of Dolours and Marian Price, two teenage sisters from Belfast who become swept up in the whirlwind of the Irish Republican Army’s (IRA) armed struggle during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Played with fierce conviction by Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe, the Price sisters represent the idealistic, often naïve mindset of young revolutionaries who believe in the glamour and righteousness of their cause, only to quickly discover the harsh realities that come with a life of violence.
The series opens by painting a picture of Belfast in the 1970s, where political tensions are at their peak and armed resistance has become a way of life for many young people. Dolours and Marian are drawn to the IRA’s cause by a combination of youthful defiance, nationalist pride, and familial loyalty. Their introduction to the movement is almost romanticized, as they envision themselves as part of something larger than life—a noble quest for freedom. This sense of allure and excitement is evident when the sisters plan their first mission, a bank heist conducted in broad daylight, dressed as nuns.
The scene is undercut with irony when the sisters, despite all their efforts, manage to steal just thirty-eight pounds—a paltry sum compared to the grand ideas they had in mind. The writing in Say Nothing is both sharp and sensitive, balancing historical accuracy with emotional depth. The show doesn’t shy away from the moral ambiguities of its characters' actions, especially Dolours, whose commitment to the IRA leads her down a path of violence and loss. The narrative also focuses on Helen McConnville’s quest for answers about her mother’s disappearance, a powerful subplot that underscores the personal costs of the IRA’s tactics. The Disappeared—those who were abducted and murdered by the IRA—are a haunting reminder of the unresolved pain and trauma that many families still endure.
Say Nothing excels in portraying the contradictions of life as a revolutionary. While the Price sisters start off with a sense of invincibility and purpose, the show subtly hints at the psychological toll their choices will take. The glamour fades as the stakes rise, and what begins as a rebellious adventure soon becomes a grim reality, filled with moral compromises and personal losses.
The cinematography captures the bleakness of Belfast during this era, with dark, moody tones reflecting the constant tension in the air. The writing, based on real historical events, never loses sight of the personal stakes involved, showing how the Price sisters’ desire for glory is both their strength and their Achilles’ heel.
In terms of acting, Petticrew and Doupe deliver standout performances. Their chemistry as sisters feels authentic, their relationship fraught with tension yet deeply rooted in shared loyalty. As they navigate the treacherous waters of armed rebellion, their evolving dynamic provides the emotional core of the series. Petticrew’s Dolours is headstrong and daring, while Doupe’s Marian is more introspective, and the push-and-pull between them keeps the audience invested.
Say Nothing is a gripping, character-driven series that peels back the layers of youthful idealism, exposing the personal costs of political violence. It’s not just a historical drama; it’s a meditation on identity, loyalty, and the lengths people go to for what they believe is right—no matter the cost.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times