Brenda Blethyn Shines at North East Premiere of ‘Dragonfly’

Brenda Blethyn returned to Newcastle on March 12, 2024, for the North East premiere of her latest film, Dragonfly, which she completed shortly after her departure from the long-running series Vera. The acclaimed actress, known for her portrayal of DCI Stanhope, attended the special screening at Tyneside Cinema with co-star and Oscar nominee Andrea Riseborough.

A New Chapter After ‘Vera’

It has been nearly a year since Blethyn last appeared on screen as DCI Stanhope, as the Vera finale captivated millions of viewers, wrapping up a successful 14-year run. Brenda filmed her final scenes for the series in July 2024 before receiving a call to join the cast of Dragonfly, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, who previously filmed Song for Marion in the North East.

In Dragonfly, Blethyn portrays Elsie, a lonely pensioner whose life takes a turn when her younger neighbour Colleen, played by Riseborough, moves in and offers her companionship. The film delves into themes of loneliness and connection, highlighting the evolving dynamics between the elderly and younger generations.

Emotional Connections and Surprising Twists

Speaking to ChronicleLive just hours before the screening, Blethyn expressed her excitement about being back in Newcastle, stating, “It’s like coming home! It’s lovely; I’m just so, so happy to be here.” She reflected on the swift transition from her role in Vera to her work on Dragonfly, noting, “Filming Dragonfly was just a month, but it was pretty soon after finishing Vera, so it was strange coming from a project I knew very, very well to something so quickly, where I didn’t know anybody to start with. But it was also a great month.”

Blethyn elaborated on her character, who suffers a fall and struggles with isolation. “We all know someone like Elsie, who is an elderly woman, lives alone, and has carers coming in three times a week,” she explained. “But the young woman next door, who is a bit of a social misfit, decides to help Elsie out, and they become friends.” This unlikely friendship drives the narrative, leading to unexpected challenges.

As for the film’s conclusion, Blethyn hinted at a dramatic twist that will leave audiences deeply moved, stating, “It takes a turn.” Her enthusiasm for the project and its themes resonated with attendees at the premiere, underscoring the film’s relevance in contemporary society.

The screening event drew a large audience eager to witness the film’s portrayal of human connection and resilience. As Dragonfly prepares for a nationwide release, Blethyn’s return to the silver screen promises to resonate with viewers across the UK and beyond.