Bibliophiles and thriller fans are excited about Netflix’s soon-to-air series. Sarah Vaughan’s best-selling bookAnatomy of a Scandalis all set to takeNetflixby storm. The gripping scandal that involves British powerholders is now a major Netflix series that will arrive this month. Developed byBig Little Liescreator David E. Kelly andHouse of Cardsshowrunner Melissa James Gibson,Anatomy of a Scandalwill be yet another nail-biter that unveils the hideous truths behind the innocent masks. LikeBig Little Lies, the new series will also confront the issues of sexual assault and trauma.
In 2020,Deadlinereported that an adaptation of Sarah Vaughan’s 2017 bestseller novel is in the works. Psychological thriller cum courtroom drama, the novel was shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and was named the best courtroom drama after Apple Tree Yard by the critics. Along with revealing the shady secrets of Westminster, the novel also represents human attributes through its characters, especially the arrogant Whitehouse, hard-headed Kate, and fragile Sophie. Though the book/series is not based on any actual event, Vaughan’s work as a reporter has helped her create the story. With the #MeToo movement on the rise, the novel was praised as a well-researched and on-point piece of literature. Famous for its political dramas and thriller series, Netflix decided to turn the page-turner into a nail-biting series.
Directed by S.J. Clarkson, the six-episode drama was filmed at Shepperton Studios, London. Filming began in October 2020 and was to last for about 20 weeks. However, some delays caused the filming to last much longer and, according toWhat’s on Netflix, entered the post-production phase in late October 2021. With the series launching this year on April 15th, here is all we know about theAnatomy of a Scandal!
All We Know: The Plot
The film’s official synopsis reads:
“Infiltrates Britain’s elite through personal and political scandal, where the truth lies between justice and privilege. James and Sophie Whitehouse live in a blissful and rarified world. A Minister in Parliament, a loving family at home, James' trajectory appears without limits. Until a scandalous secret suddenly comes to light. Barrister Kate Woodcroft has a trajectory of her own, and her prosecution threatens to tear into Westminster, the Whitehouse marriage, and her own personal esteem.”
Exposing the darkness that encircles the bourgeoisie, this British courtroom drama is about a two-faced life of a member of the House of Commons, James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend), and his devoted wife, Sophie (Sienna Miller). The trailer indicates the blind trust Sophie has in her husband, but when Whitehouse, being a public figure, is accused of a crime – sexual assault, to be specific –Sophie’s trust and their life all start to tatter.
The trailer shows James Whitehouse refuting the accusation, his wife believing his innocence, and an ambitious prosecutor who wants the ticket to success, Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery), determined to prove his guilt. Whether Whitehouse is an innocent husband and father of two or guilty as charged,Anatomy of a Scandalwill resolve this April.
All We Know: The Cast
Known for his role as Peter Quinn in US spy-dramaHomeland, Rupert Friend takes on the role of MP James Whitehouse in Netflix’s upcoming thriller. Whitehouse’s Wife, Sophie, is played by Sienna Miller, best known for her roles inLayer CakeandAlfie. The next most important character of prosecutor Kate Woodcroft is portrayed byDownton Abbey’sLady Mary Crawley, Michelle Dockery.Aladdin’sNaomi Scott was cast as the parliamentary researcher, Olivia Lytton, who will be accusing James Whitehouse of the crime. Other actors include Joshua Mcguire, Josette Simon, Ben Radcliffe, and Geoffrey Streatfeild.
Related:The Best Thrillers on Netflix Right Now, Ranked
Alongside the list of actors, the director, S.J. Clarkson, who has previously directedThe Defenders, is bringing Sarah Vaughan’s book to life. Whether Clarkson and team have done justice to the text, we will soon see.
Release Date
Scandals, truth, and everything between;Anatomy of a Scandalwill dig all. Is James Whitehouse guilty of the crime as Prosecutor Kate Woodcraft believes? Will Sophie’s trust in her husband’s innocence prove to be valid? Can mistakes of the past and shortcomings of the present tear a family apart? These questions will be answered on August 25, 2025, as Netflix drops the thriller series, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Related:How Windfall is a Masterclass in the Minimalist Thriller
Everything Else: A Planned Anthology
Will the courtroom drama get more than one season? The answer is yes. Anatomy of a Scandalwilltake the form of an anthology series, with each season tackling a different scandal. We know that the first season, with six one-hour-long episodes, is based on the novel of Sarah Vaughan; what the later seasons will adapt to is still a mystery.
