“Say Nothing” documents Northern Ireland's Troubles through those involved      

Over the past years, several very good films, both documentaries and scripted, have addressed what are known as the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It is, then, as gratifying as it is surprising that writer and showrunner Josh Zetumer found a profound and insightful new entrée into that tragic period of IRA activity as demonstrated in the gripping series "Say Nothing."

Adapting Patrick Radden Keefer's 2018 book "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland," Zetumer did years of research in primary and secondary assets to enhance faithful dramatization of events. Set primarily in Belfast from the 1970s through the 90s, two sisters, Dolours and Marian Price, drive the action with their initial, thorough commitment to the IRA. In fact, Dolours will initiate a greater role for the women, including a somewhat amusing bank robbery in Belfast, the gut-wrenching driving of several men to their execution across the Northern Irish border, and a horrid car bombing in London. Graphic, inhumane violence pervades IRA activity against others and their own followers.

Before concentrating on the Prices, the series begins with the abduction of Jean McConville, mother of ten, accused of being a 'tout,' that is, a British informant. The U.K.'s military representatives factor in as well, though more important, in all respects, is the principal IRA boss, Gerry Adams. He unemotionally, cruelly dictates policy, though the series carefully states in onscreen titles after each episode that Adams always denied any involvement. Interaction with him argues otherwise, in addition to the framing device of secret oral history project interviews from 2000 to 2006, sponsored by Boston College, with release only after the death of the interviewees.

What "Say Nothing" adds of great significance is the disillusionment of Dolours, among others, regarding their radicalization and seduction into the violent political action later regarded by some as tragically misguided. This develops incrementally and eloquently through immersion in the activists' world. The actors, the music, and the art direction all contribute to this admirable endeavor, providing an insightful, sensitive and yet profoundly critical perspective on the IRA and other such groups involving unquestioned allegiance to brutal, cultish movements. One of the best series of the year, the nine episodes of "Say Nothing" are streaming now on HULU.