Channel 4’s On the Edge Strand Returns

On the Edge, Channel 4’s BAFTA Award-winning anthology series of short films championing emerging U.K. talent, is set to return for a fourth year.

This year’s dramas include Wet Look, Letting Go and The Final Countdown, all of which touch upon the importance of care and caring. Each is written and directed by up-and-coming storytellers.

Wet Look tells the story of young couple Gwynn and Rob, who are navigating the highs and lows of their burgeoning relationship, with the twist that Rob is human millennial and Gwynn is a mermaid. Gwynn is unable to grow back her tail and feels disconnected from her body, while Rob wants to help her but isn’t sure how. She wishes to return to the sea, even if she might drown without her tail. Writer Toby Parker Rees and director B Welby use the story to explore their feelings about being disabled and how they relate to their physical selves. Wet Look stars Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education) and Iwan Rheon (The Light in the Hall, Game of Thrones) as Gwynn and Rob, respectively.

Letting Go centers on Gabriel, a foster father who can’t bear to let go of Faith, a teenage girl who has been in his care for years. When the authorities decide that her birth mother is well enough to take her back, Gabriel struggles to process the massive change and becomes convinced that she will be in danger. Written from personal experience by Beru Tessema and directed by Mitch Kalisa, the short film explores the power of attachment and the difficulty of separation. It stars Anthony Welsh (Pure, Master of None) and Clare-Hope Ashitey (Children of Men), as well as newcomer Luna Mwezi.

The Final Countdown, meanwhile, follows Ray, a septuagenerian with a wicked sense of fun and a fondness for a pint and devoted long-time husband to Dora, who is suffering from dementia. Their grandson Terry has become Dora’s primary caregiver while Ray continues to refuse to admit that Dora needs help. The film offers a celebration of love and family. It is written by Natalie Burt and directed by James Doherty, with Paul Copley (Downton Abbey, Last Tango in Halifax), Eileen Davies (Sightseers) and newcomer Joseph Payne starring.

On the Edge is developed through the 4Stories initiative, Channel’s 4 commitment to inclusion and finding new diverse talent. It is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Caroline Hollick, Channel 4’s head of drama, said: “On the Edge is the epitome of unearthing extraordinary talent from all walks of life, now in its fourth year. I’m delighted that this scheme continues to offer an inimitable platform, championing our future creatives. This year’s anthology feels timely, indicative and relative as these films encompass their perception of care in three incredibly unique and distinctive ways.”

Phil Trethowan and Ben Bickerton from BlackLight Television, part of Banijay UK, added: “It’s such a privilege to be making a fourth series of On the Edge for Channel 4. Supporting the next generation of filmmakers and hearing their voices, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feels more important than ever, and we applaud Channel 4 for that.”