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IS THIS COERCIVE CONTROL: BBC DRAMA // ELLIE FLYNN INTERVIEW
Premiered on BBC One last night, documentary-drama 'Is This Coercive Control?' grabbed me in the gut, shook me and refused to let go. An hour-long study of Rachael and Alex - a fictional couple we meet three months into their relationship - their honeymoon period is short-lived, and the ensuing decline of said relationship makes for unsettling, albeit powerful viewing.
Initially, all was well between them - kisses, wine, gifts and giggles aplenty. Within hours of Alex declaring his love for Rachael, however, we cut to a nightclub scene. It is here we see our first [mild] red flag. "Who's that you were chatting to?" asks Alex, referring to Rachael's workmate, who, I assume, he feels threatened by.
From this point onwards, their relationship deteriorates, circumstances change and abuse soon emerges. Or does it?
The format of this docu-drama is inspired, because watching along with us, are 20 young adults, all aged 18-25. At various intervals throughout the hour, they're invited to share their thoughts on Alex and Rachael's behaviour. The format's brilliance lies in how polarising the depicted behaviours turn-out to be - as we, the viewers at home, hear drastically opposing views from the group.
Throughout the drama, the prevailing question put to the group is, "Is this coercive control?" Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation used by one person to exert power, control or coercion over another. Made a criminal offence in 2015, succesful prosecutions carry a maximum sentence of 5 years, a fine or both.
This docu-drama has sparked strong debate on Twitter, so a few hours ago, the programme's host Ellie Flynn and I jumped onto instagram for a live chat. Among our many talking points, we speculate over why the 20 contributors had such varied opinions and chew-over what, on a society level, this might tell us.
Watch Ellie and I chat here
Watch 'Is This Coercive Control?' here
Interview highlights:
How Ellie feels about making her tenth BBC documentary (02:23)
Who is Ellie Flynn? (05:40)
REVEALED: Ellie's Top 3 docs (06:50)
Ellie on how it felt to NOT go undercover for a change (08:20)
Ellie on the lead actors: Jack Hickey & Sophie Harkness (10:10)
Ellie discusses the group of 20 contributors (13:09)
Ellie outlines how the group of 20 were brought onboard (21:40)
Ellie on the group's differing opinions (25:40)
Ellie responds to Twitter comments (29:00)
REVEALED: Secrets of the lush mansion (35:50)
Why Ellie's mum isn't impressed (37:20)
Where victims of coercive control can get help (38:40)
Find us on social media:
Follow Ellie on Twitter, Instagram & watch all her documentaries here
Watch 'Is This Coercive Control?' here
