Watch Now: Deaf Lip-Reader Thrills in BritBox’s Code of Silence

BritBox has just revealed the trailer for Code of Silence—a nail-biting crime drama that packs a punch. Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders) plays Alison Woods, a Deaf lip-reader caught up in a tense heist investigation. The twist? She develops feelings for one of the suspects, leading to a tangled web of moral dilemmas.

This isn’t your typical law enforcement versus criminals narrative. Code of Silence breaks new ground by featuring a Deaf lead in a genre that often overlooks disability. The trailer’s highlight is definitely Alison’s fierce gaze as a detective advises her, “Just focus on lip reading. Leave the detecting to us.” Spoiler alert: she has other plans.

In contrast to The Silent Twins (2022), which also showcased underrepresented perspectives, Code of Silence heightens the suspense with a vibe reminiscent of Collateral mixed with Fleabag. With Alison choosing to break the rules, the series has potential to change the landscape of representation… or fall flat on its own ambition.

While using lip-reading in detective work isn’t a novel concept (See No Evil, anyone?), Code of Silence repurposes it in a remarkably relevant manner. In today’s world dominated by surveillance technology, Alison’s abilities serve as both an asset and a burden.

On the production side, the series features notable talent: Catherine Moulton (The Stolen Girl) takes on the creation role, and Diarmuid Goggins (Kin) directs. Plus, Ayling-Ellis serves as an executive producer—showing that Deaf representation extends beyond acting.

Brilliant or foolish? A thriller led by Deaf talent that truly engages—or an audacious romance that risks failing? Code of Silence premieres on BritBox on July 24. What’s your prediction?