What infinite possibilities evaporate when a life is cut cruelly short? That’s the premise behind the poignant BAFTA-nominated film Anthony, exclusive to BritBox, which imagines “what might have been” had talented Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker not been killed in a racially motivated attack in 2005.
Premiering on BritBox on Thursday 15 September 2022, this powerful feature stars Toheeb Jimoh (The Power, Ted Lasso) in the title role, as BAFTA-winning writer Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, Hillsborough, Time) imagines an alternative universe in which the 18-year-old had lived and led a happy, productive life.
Anthony Walker was a Liverpool teenager with a devout Christian faith and a love of basketball. Known to his family and friends for his humour, intelligence and compassion, he was halfway through college with dreams of visiting America and studying law at university. But on 29 July 2005 in a Merseyside park, Anthony was murdered in a vicious racist attack.
Anthony is the story of the life he could have had, inspired by conversations with his mother, Gee Walker (played by Rakie Ayola – Shetland, Noughts + Crosses), about the boy he was and the man he was poised to become. Last year, Ayola won aBest Supporting Actress BAFTA for her outstanding and nuanced performance.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Gee Walker said, “I went to Jimmy [McGovern] because I couldn’t think of anyone more suited who could depict, highlight and draw attention to the hard messages of a life not lived – Anthony’s unfilled dreams, his potentials and the many lives he would have impacted on, which now will never be realised.”
Jimoh, who plays the title role, said, “Anthony’s story is a painfully tragic one but it’s also full of hope, joy, promise and love. Jimmy’s script captures that perfectly. I hope this film will serve as a tribute to Anthony and I feel truly honoured to have been asked to play him.”
The Guardian described Anthony as “a beautiful, harrowing look at the life the teenager might have led”.
The BritBox app is available in South Africa on Android TV, including enabled Smart TVs, Google Chromecast with GoogleTV, Nvidia Shield, MiBox and MiStick, plus Android and Apple mobile/tablets, FireTV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV and selected Hisense, Toshiba and OEM branded VIDAA smart TVs. Enjoy one week’s free trial, sign up at R99,99 per month or R999,99 for 12 months, and register for email updates at www.britbox.com.
Follow BritBox on Twitter and Instagram @BritBox_ZA and on Facebook @BritBoxZA.
