Get ready for heart-pounding suspense as a new ITV drama, Red Eye, promises an adrenaline-fuelled adventure across continents. The show centres on the journey of DC Hana Li, a British Chinese detective constable portrayed by Jing Lusi, as she escorts a doctor (Richard Armitage) accused of `murder back to China. The thriller marks a landmark in how British East and South East Asian (ESEA) characters are represented on television, according to its star.
Lusi describes her character as a spirited, flawed, but ultimately relatable woman. While initially resentful of her assignment to transport Dr. Matthew Nolan back to China, Hana soon sees cracks in the accusations against him. A series of suspicious deaths onboard the red-eye flight thrusts her into the heart of a complex conspiracy, forcing her to re-examine her assumptions.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Authentic Representation
Hana Li is more than just a detective caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Red Eye delves into her internal struggles as a woman of dual heritage. Born in Hong Kong, she moved to the UK as a child and has often felt caught between cultures. Lusi, who shares a similar background, reveals “Going back to my home country, even though I didn’t have any real memories, it’s stored in your system, your DNA.” Hana’s assignment to China triggers suppressed emotions about her heritage and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.
Lusi describes the complexities of Hana’s identity: “When we filmed Crazy Rich Asians, the whole cast felt that needle-turning moment. And when we were filming Red Eye, it was as simple as seeing so many Asian faces around me, doing their jobs, getting on with it. It sounds mundane and ordinary, but actually, it is extraordinary because you never get to see that. So frequently the Asian character is tokenistic or fits certain stereotypes like the comic relief or the serious scientist. It was very moving to see this array of amazing Asian talent, all there for a reason that wasn’t box-ticking.”
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Hana also grapples with the pressure to assimilate into British culture, while also longing to connect with her Chinese roots. Lusi explains, “There is a complex about that. Being a full Asian immigrant and seeing her sister enjoy half of this white privilege she thinks all white people have, it’s the source of a lot of pain for Hana and shapes their sibling dynamic.”
Red Eye offers a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by second-generation immigrants, exploring the internal conflicts and the search for belonging that often come with such a background. Lusi says, “I truly feel Red Eye is a turning point. It’s about challenging our bias, preconceptions, and judgements.”
The show’s commitment to authenticity goes beyond casting. Lusi applauds the decision to bring in Asian writers and cultural consultants during the development process. Their contributions ensured the details resonated with real-life experiences. From the way Hana interacts with her family to the subtle nuances of her flat, the production team took great care to depict a world that felt authentically British Asian.
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This commitment is evident not just in the broader strokes of the story, but also in the smaller details. For instance, viewers will likely pick up on the complexities of navigating family dynamics within a multicultural household. Red Eye avoids stereotypes and instead offers a portrayal that feels true to life.
More than Just a Thriller
Alongside nail-biting action, Red Eye examines familial relationships through Hana’s interactions with her estranged half-sister Jess, a journalist played by Jemma Moore. The sisters have a complex bond, shaped by past betrayals and Jess’s desire to build a career off of her sister’s life as a police officer. As their paths intersect through the conspiracy, Red Eye delivers a nuanced take on sibling dynamics.
Red Eye is written by Peter A Dowling and directed by Kieron Hawkes. In addition to Lusi, Armitage, and Moore, the series stars Lesley Sharp as the formidable head of MI5.
Where to Watch Red Eye
Red Eye will be available to viewers on ITV1 on Sunday, April 21st, at 9 p.m
