The Rapture: BBC’s Psychological Eco-Thriller with Ruth Madeley

BBC is bringing a chilling new drama to screens with The Rapture, a five-part limited series produced by Mammoth Screen in association with ITV Studios. Based on Liz Jensen’s acclaimed novel, the show blends psychological suspense with urgent questions about climate catastrophe—making it one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025.

About The Rapture

At its core, The Rapture is a psychological eco-thriller. It explores themes of trauma, truth, and survival in a world teetering on the edge of ecological disaster. With its mix of intimate character drama and global stakes, the series aims to challenge audiences while delivering gripping entertainment.

The Premise

Gabrielle Fox (Ruth Madeley) is a forensic psychologist recovering from a devastating car accident that left her paralyzed. Seeking a fresh start, she takes a position at a maximum-security facility for juvenile patients.

There she encounters Bethany Krall, a 16-year-old inmate convicted of brutally murdering her mother. Bethany insists she has psychic powers—specifically, the ability to predict natural disasters linked to climate change.

Gabrielle must decide: is Bethany a manipulative psychopath, or is she telling the truth about a looming catastrophe?

Source Material

The series is adapted from Liz Jensen’s 2009 novel, which was praised for its bold mix of psychological drama and environmental urgency. Critics have lauded the book for combining eco-thriller tension with profound human storytelling.

Cast and Characters

Leading the series is Ruth Madeley, best known for Years and Years and Doctor Who. As Gabrielle Fox, Madeley brings grit and emotional depth to a character navigating both personal trauma and the terrifying possibility of an oncoming global disaster.

Casting emphasizes authentic, emotionally complex performances, essential for a series that blurs the line between psychological manipulation and supernatural foresight.

The Creative Team

The Rapture is crafted by some of the UK’s top creative talent:

• Writer: Bryony Kimmings (with Rebecca Manley writing Episode 4)
• Director: Chanya Button (World on Fire, Doctor Who)
• Producers: Mammoth Screen (The Serpent, World on Fire)
• Executive Producers: Tom Leggett, Damien Timmer, Rebecca Ferguson (BBC), Lindsay Salt (BBC Drama Director)
• Producer: Bryony Arnold

Production Details

• Format: 5 episodes, each one hour long
• Filming: Summer 2025, across the UK
• Distribution: BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK; ITV Studios handling global sales

Why The Rapture Stands Out

Unlike typical thrillers, The Rapture ties its suspense to real-world climate issues, raising questions about how much we can ignore the signs of disaster. At the same time, it’s a personal story about trauma, trust, and the fragile line between reality and delusion.

It’s a drama that promises to be both terrifyingly relevant and emotionally gripping.

Casting Opportunities

As The Rapture heads into production, there will be opportunities for extras, background performers, and supporting actors. Roles may include:

• Juvenile inmates
• Medical staff
• Facility workers
• Law enforcement and investigators

👉 For the latest updates on how to audition for The Rapture, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.