Loyle carner steals spotlight in gripping new drama, 'mint'
A gritty crime saga starring musician Loyle Carner has landed on BBC One and iPlayer, offering a darkly compelling exploration of family, loyalty, and forbidden love.
‘Mint’ promises a visceral dive into rival gangs and shattered dreams
Charlotte Regan’s directorial debut, starring Carner in a breakout role, centers around Shannon Evans, the daughter of a powerful crime boss who finds herself entangled with a member of a rival family. The series weaves together multiple romantic threads, creating a tense and atmospheric drama that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Beyond Carner’s performance – lauded by critics as ‘absolutely nailed’ – the cast is brimming with talent, including Emma Laird as Shannon, Benjamin Coyle-Larner as Arran, and a host of familiar faces from television and film. The show’s layered narrative explores the suffocating pressures of family legacy and the desperate yearning for a life beyond its confines.
Meet the cast: a stellar ensemble
Emma Laird delivers a captivating performance as Shannon, a young woman trapped by her father's criminal empire. Laird, already known for her work in 28 Years Later, brings a raw intensity to the role.
Benjamin Coyle-Larner, best known as the musician Loyle Carner, makes a surprising and successful transition to acting as Arran, a key figure in the opposing crime family. His musical background undoubtedly lends a certain sensitivity to his portrayal.
Supporting players include Laura Fraser as Cat, Sam Riley as Dylan, and Lindsay Duncan as Ollie – a ‘sassy grandma’ who holds secrets of her own. Clive Russell, recognizable from Game of Thrones, rounds out the cast as Andy, Ollie’s husband.
A darkly romantic thriller
Mint isn’t just about violence and betrayal; it’s a story about the messy, complicated nature of love in a world saturated with danger. Regan’s writing brilliantly captures the suffocating atmosphere of a family consumed by crime, while simultaneously offering glimpses of hope and connection. The series, comprised of eight episodes, is available now on BBC iPlayer and airs nightly on BBC One.
Don’t expect a traditional Romeo and Juliet story; this is a far more nuanced and unsettling exploration of love, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of choosing your own path.