CHANNEL 4’s Consent tackles the serious and sensitive issue of non-consensual sex amongst teenagers.
Due to the nature of this provocative drama’s plot, some viewers may wonder if it is based on real life events.
Channel 4’s Consent tackles sensitive issues surrounding consesual sex amongst teenagers
Is Consent based on a true story?
Consent takes place in an elite private school that only very recently opened its doors to female students.
The film follows two students, Natalie and Archie, and through their relationship, explores ideas of consent in 2023.
Archie is described my Channel 4 as the the “embodiment of the school” – rich, privileged and an academic high achiever.
The rules of Archie’s social media and online existence are set by a “lad” culture he doesn’t really feel he belongs to.
Meanwhile, Natalie has won herself a scholarship to attend the school – she is smart, but from an opposite background to Archie’s.
Nevertheless they instantly bond, as Natalie is the outsider that Archie feels himself in part to be.
However, one night at a party changes everything, when boundaries are crossed and trust is broken – nothing will ever be the same between Archie and Natalie again.
This one-off Channel 4 drama explores how modern sexual expectations of teens can become distorted with instant access to online sexual content.
The drama is based on hundreds of real life testimonies of young people from both state and private school backgrounds.
While the school and the characters in Consent are fictional, the plot has been created from these testimonies.
Is Consent based on a book?
Consent isn’t based on a book, but instead was written as an original drama for Channel 4.
Th drama was written by playwright Emma Dennis-Edwards, and is her TV debut.
Speaking to Channel 4 about creating the show, she said: “Whilst researching Consent I was shocked but not entirely surprised about the culture of toxic masculinity and misogyny explored within the drama.
“Whilst social media has proved to be an amazing tool for young people to express themselves socially and politically it must also take some of the responsibility for the misogyny and sexual harassment that has become almost commonplace in our schools.
“I’m incredibly proud to have authored this single drama for Channel 4, a broadcaster well known for bold, boundary breaking, hard hitting Television, and telling this story and acting in it alongside some of Britain’s finest upcoming talent has been a pleasure and privilege.”
Who is in the cast of Consent?
Consent brings with it a cast of young talented actors.
The line-up includes:
- Lashay Anderson as Natalie
- Tom Victor plays Archie
- Rhea Norwood plays Alice
- Nell Barlow plays Lily
- Ty Tennant plays Raffy
- Denzel Baidoo plays Kojo
- Alex Heath plays Kyle
- Dee Ahluwalia plays Navjot
- Kimberley Nixon plays Ms Parkinson
How can I watch Consent?
As mentioned, Consent is a one-off Channel 4 drama, so there is only one episode.
It will air TONIGHT (February 7, 2023) at 10pm.
You will also be able to stream Consent on All4.
