Anna Daniels
Sophie Turner, known for her role in Game of Thrones, is set to shine in her new series, Joan. This six-part ITV drama features Turner as Joan Hannington, a woman who overcame a difficult background to become one of London’s infamous jewel thieves in the 1980s. With its premiere scheduled for September, the show has garnered excitement for its intriguing true-crime storyline and Turner’s remarkable transformation for the role. So, does Joan stand out among crime dramas, or is it just another addition to the genre?
Exploring the Glamorous yet Gritty Life of Joan
Joan immerses viewers in the gritty, yet glamorous, criminal scene of 1980s London, an era characterized by bold fashion, cultural shifts, and vibrant music. This setting perfectly frames Joan Hannington’s journey—a mother torn between caring for her daughter and her obsession with diamonds. The series promises a mix of luxury and peril, mirroring the complexities of Joan’s life.
What truly differentiates Joan is its captivating true story. After her abusive boyfriend, Gary, abandons her, Joan, a mother, seizes the chance to create a new life for herself and her daughter. This tale of transformation from suburban struggle to becoming “The Godmother” of London’s criminal elite is rooted in Hannington’s memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief, published in 2004.
Turner’s Career-Highlighting Performance
Turner’s depiction of Joan is being recognized as a potential career-defining moment. Richard Laxton, the series director, expressed that Turner is the ideal actress to portray the character’s complexities. Turner herself described the role as “the thrill of her career.”
She captures Joan’s contradictions—her allure, her struggles as a mother seeking to reconnect with her daughter, and her relentless resolve amidst danger. Images showcasing Turner with a chic blonde bob, striking red lips, and bold 80s makeup hint at an iconic performance. Additionally, she’s supported by a talented cast, including Frank Dillane as Boisie, her antiques-dealer husband and accomplice, alongside Gershwyn Eustache Jnr in a significant role.
A Gripping True Tale
Joan’s narrative extends beyond mere crime tales as it dives into the extraordinary life of its protagonist. Hannington didn’t merely fall into a life of crime; she skillfully crafted an image that allowed her to navigate high society while executing audacious heists. A pivotal moment highlighted by Turner involves her swallowing £800,000 worth of diamonds to escape capture, symbolizing her boldness and growing obsession with affluence.
Her romance with Boisie, a seasoned thief who introduced her to antiques and forgery, serves as the emotional foundation of the show. The chemistry between Turner and Dillane is palpable, as Dillane presents Boisie as an introspective, driven mastermind, contrasting with Joan’s passionate yet equally ruthless character. While grounded in crime, their love story is intricate and genuine, enriching the heist-laden narrative.
The High Cost of Crime
As with many criminal narratives, Joan is tinged with sorrow. Despite her relentless pursuit of diamonds and riches, Joan suffers emotional turmoil from being separated from her daughter, Kelly (whose real-life name was Debbie). While she achieves success as a jewel thief, her family life deteriorates, and her quest for custody of Kelly ends tragically, fueling the show’s emotional stakes.
At the peak of her illicit endeavors, Joan enjoyed a lavish lifestyle—frequent hairdresser visits, a wardrobe of 11 fur coats, and thousands of pounds in stolen jewels tucked away in bank boxes. Yet, with all her wealth, she was unable to reclaim the life she desired with her daughter. Following Boisie’s death during a botched insurance scheme, Joan’s world crumbles, leaving her a widow with two children.
After his passing, she liquidates his antique shops in hopes of forging a new path, but it’s evident her story is far from concluded. Today, Joan Hannington is alive and actively collaborated with screenwriter Anna Symon to bring this story to life on screen.
Conclusion: Does ‘Joan’ Live Up to the Anticipation?
With its enthralling true narrative, impressive cast, and Turner’s strong performance, Joan is poised to be a standout crime drama of the year. It’s more than just tales of theft and opulence; it explores survival, motherhood, and the profound costs associated with a criminal lifestyle. The series promises emotional intensity, suspenseful moments, and an insight into the captivating yet dangerous realm of crime.
For enthusiasts of true crime and dramatic storytelling, Joan is expected to leave a lasting impact. Be sure to catch it this September on ITV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NquWcP37p18
