Refuge: Surfaces

National domestic abuse charity Refuge has partnered with McCann, Bristol to launch a new short film starring awarding-winning actor Maxine Peake, drawing attention to the shocking rise in violence against women during lockdown. Peake stars alongside TV, film and stage actor, Lex Shrapnel, in Surfaces, which is available to view on the Refuge website, and through its YouTube channel from today. To drive traffic to the hard-hitting film, a 30-second teaser trailer will run on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, alongside a rich media digital display campaign and Spotify audio campaign. The 11-minute story written by McCann Bristol’s group executive creative director, Jon Elsom, and directed by Steve Reeves, features characters Alix and Richard. The married couple in their 40s started a whirlwind romance five years ago, which quickly descended into physical and mental abuse towards Alix. Filmed entirely over a real conference call, lockdown has just started - but Alix isn’t at home and Richard is ‘worried’ about her whereabouts. After two days of unsuccessfully trying to reach her, Richard finally gets through on a video call. At first, his wife seems cool and distant, saying she’s simply left him. But all is not as it seems. The conversation gradually reveals the horror of Richard’s controlling coercion and abuse throughout their relationship. As the story unfolds, we understand that Alix has lived her marriage to Richard in lockdown – isolated and in fear. Ironically, it is the Covid-19 lockdown and her one hour of exercise that provides her with the opportunity she needs to escape to a refuge. Alix has finally found safety and expert support, and is taking the first steps to rebuilding her life free from violence and abuse.