India Amarteifio has criticised the way modern society treats vulnerable people, arguing those most in need are too often pushed to the margins.
The Queen Charlotte actress, who stars alongside Ruth Madeley in the BBC’s upcoming psychological thriller The Rapture, said the drama explores issues that have only become more pressing in recent years.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the series’ launch, the 23-year-old reflected on how the adaptation of Liz Jensen’s novel resonates with today’s world.
“What’s amazing about Liz Jensen’s book is that it was written over a decade ago, but if anything, it’s more relevant now in terms of climate change, how we treat people with mental health needs, and how we also, as a society, ostracise people who need the most help,” she said.
India Amarteifio plays Bethany Krall in the BBC’s new psychological thriller The Rapture
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“It’s important to talk about that, because it is an actuality of what’s going on.”
She continued: “I guess the fact that we get to tackle those issues head on is something I’m proud to be a part of.”
The Rapture follows psychologist Dr Gabrielle “Gabs” Fox, played by Ruth Madeley, who takes a job at a psychiatric hospital after a devastating car accident that left her paralysed.
There she meets 17-year-old Bethany Krall, portrayed by Ms Amarteifio, who has been sectioned after being accused of murdering her mother.
The Rapture tackles themes including mental health, climate change and faith
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Bethany claims she can foresee catastrophic events through disturbing visions and sketches, leaving Gabs to question whether her patient is dangerously delusional or telling the truth.
Ms Amarteifio described Bethany as “misunderstood and passionate”, explaining that the teenager is consumed by finding the person responsible for her mother’s death.
“I would describe Bethany as misunderstood and passionate,” she said.
“In her youthfulness and naivety, she sees the world as binary – things are either the best or the worst.
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The actress stars opposite Ruth Madeley in the five-part BBC drama
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“She’s dead set on finding who’s murdered her mum, which affects her behaviour.”
The actress added that Bethany undergoes a significant transformation throughout the five-part series.
“Bethany goes on a huge journey. It’s a journey of regaining trust in herself, in the adults around her, and in authority and people in authority,” she explained.
“She begins to have an understanding that there is corruption within the people that you’re supposed to depend on the most.”
Although The Rapture is rooted in psychological mystery, Ms Amarteifio believes audiences familiar with Ms Jensen’s bestselling novel will still find plenty of surprises.
“I think the beauty of this project is that it is similar enough to the book that you will enjoy seeing these characters, situations, and settings come to life, but it still feels really fresh and modern, because we’ve spun it into a contemporary version of the story,” she said.
“We’ve taken it in a slightly different direction, which will be great for audiences.
The BBC’s The Rapture follows psychologist Dr Gabrielle Fox as she investigates the mysterious case of Bethany Krall
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“They can get a feel for the book, but they also get a different take on it.
“It will almost be like experiencing two versions of the story.”
Set during an intense heatwave, The Rapture also stars Sam Hazeldine, Jack Farthing and Iwan Rheon, with the drama exploring themes including climate anxiety, mental health, faith and corruption.
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