'Penance': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Sundance Now's psychological thriller

Following the loss of their son, a couple finds their marriage under immense strain. But when a young handsome man meets them, their hopes are anew 
(Sundance Now)
(Sundance Now)

AMC Network's streaming service Sundance Now is adding the wicked tale of 'Penance' to its library. Following the loss of their son, a couple finds their marriage under immense strain. But when a young handsome man meets them, their hopes are anew. However, things are not what they seem to be and underneath the mystery man's calm and comforting personality is something vile and corrupt. 

Will the family be able to uncover the secret intentions of the young man? Here is everything you need to know about the British psychological thriller. 

Release date

'Penance' will premiere this Thursday, May 21, 2020, on Sundance Now. 

Plot

According to the official synopsis of the series, "Rosalie Douglas has lost her son. Her marriage is falling apart. Her teenage daughter, Maddie, has gone off the rails, wracked with grief and as-yet-unexplained guilt over her brother’s death. Rosalie lives in a fog of grief and denial; she refuses to accept that Rob’s death was an accident. The lives of the Douglas family are changed forever when they meet Jed, a beautiful, charismatic young man at bereavement counseling. A spark of hope for the future is rekindled within the household. But underneath, a deadly and morally corrupt triangle is taking shape..."

Cast

Julie Graham

Julie Graham as Rosalie (Sundance Now)

Julie plays the role of Rosalie Douglas, who is grieving the loss of her son but finds some peace in the company of a young man. The actress is best known for her work on 'Silent Scream', 'Nuns of the Run', 'The Big Man' and 'Some Voices'. She is also known for playing the role of Dr Gillian Magwilde, an archaeologist, in the BBC drama 'Bonekickers'.

Nico Mirallegro

Nico Mirallegro as Jed (Sundance Now)

Mirallegro plays the role of Jed, a charming young man who seems to have cast control on both the mother and daughter. The actor is best known for playing the role of Barry Newton in 'Hollyoaks', Finn Nelson in 'My Mad Fat Diary', Joe Middleton in 'The Village', and Johnjo O'Shea in 'Common'. 

Tallulah Greive

Tallulah Greive as Maddie (Sundance Now)

Greive plays the role of Rosalie's daughter Maddie who is figuring how to channel her grief over the death of her brother. The actress is best known for her role as Lauren in 'Millie Inbetween'.

Creators

'Penance' is based on the book of the same name by Kate O'Riordan. Apart from being the award-winning author of five novels, O'Riordan has also written for stage and screen and most recently has been writing scripts for 'Mr Selfridge'. 

Trailers

You can watch the trailer for the British psychological thriller here:



 

The trailer for the psychological thriller of 'Penance' shows the lives of grieving mother Rosalie (Graham) and her daughter Maddie (Greive) change for the worse when they meet the young and charming Jed (Mirallegro). How they will be able to escape him and his mind games is yet to be seen. 

Where to watch

The three-part British miniseries will premiere on Thursday, May 21, 2020, on Sundance Now. All three episodes will be available at once. 

If you liked this, you'll love these

'Cheat'

'Liar'

'The Restaurant' 

'Wisting'

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z