Every so often, we stumble upon a series hidden in the archives that warrants your attention and the latest is Second Coming. While Unforgotten might be the series we all adore Nicola Walker for, Second Coming is the under-the-radar drama, which was first released more than a decade ago, and is now available to stream on Channel 4. And when we say it’s beyond brilliant, we mean it.
Here’s how the story goes: Jackie “Jax” Trent (Nadine Marshall) discovers she’s pregnant with her second child, despite not having had sex with her husband, Mark (Idris Elba), in many months – nor has she slept with anyone else for that matter. So how does one explain it? So begins an unsettling year in the lives of Jax, Mark, their 11-year-old son – with a well-meaning counsellor played by Nicola Walker drawn into the mystery.
With the film available to stream on Channel 4 tonight (or now, if you fancy it), here’s everything you need to know about the Second Coming before you tune in, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Second Coming about?
The film, which made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014, introduces us to middle-aged mum, Jackie “Jax” Trent (Nadine Marshall), who discovers she’s expecting her second child – only the math doesn’t quite add up. She hasn’t slept with her husband, Mark (Idris Elba) in months, so it can’t possibly be his – but she also hasn’t had sex with anyone else.
So far, so odd. Naturally, Mark suspects that his wife has been unfaithful and rather than quash his suspicions, Jax provides no answers at all. Is her silence a sign of deceit, or is something else at play? Over the course of a year, we follow Jax, Mark and their 11-year-old son JJ (Kai Francis Lewis) as they grapple with they grapple with their strange reality.
Along the way, we also meet Jax’s counsellor, played by Nicola Walker, who listens as Jax opens up about her pregnancy, history of miscarriages and her inability to explain how she’s found herself pregnant. Though we don’t get nearly enough screen time with her, Nicola’s performance is every bit as absorbing as you’d expect.
Asked about the ambiguous nature of the story and Jax’s pregnancy, director Debbie Tucker Green told the BFI: “It’s been interesting watching it with audiences, because it’s more open-ended than I’d thought, which is fine. It’s sparked debate, with people having little rows about what they thought happened.
“But there wasn’t much pressure on me about the ending. For me it was interesting to watch this woman over her pregnancy and not be sure. It’s all played out in a day-to-day way; a lot of it for Jax is behind the eyes; her trying to keep up.”
Who’s in the cast of Second Coming?
The cast of Second Coming includes:
- Idris Elba (Hijack) as Mark
- Nadine Marshall (Protection) as Jacqueline or Jax
- Kai Francis Lewis (Sensation) as JJ
- Nicola Walker (Annika) the Counsellor
- Sharlene Whyte (Mr Loverman) as Bernie
- Llewella Gideon (Queenie)as Jax’s mum
- Larrington Walker (The Chelsea Detective) as Jax’s Dad
- Seroca Davis (I Am Ruth) as Sandra, Jax’s sister
- Bailey Patrick (Bodyguard)as Justin
- Janelle Frimpong (Resident Evil) as Lauryn
- Gershwyn Eustache (Get Millie Black) Jnr as Patrick
- Nick Figgis (Pillion)as Alex
- Arinda Alexander (Approval Needed) as Manjeet
- Anna Brooks-Beckman (Blue Hour) as Maddy
- Anthony Welsh (The Flatshare) as Levi
- Simon Robson (Doctors) as Jim
Is there a trailer for Second Coming?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Second Coming below.
Is Second Coming any good?
Yes – while there’s no denying the film is ambiguous and it leaves you with more questions than answers, it’s all the more compelling for it. The real brilliance of it lies in the fact that it explores far more than an unexpected pregnant, delving into family tensions and the complex emotions a child faces when confronted with the possibility of another child entering their world. Special mention must also go to Idris Elba, Nadine Marshall and Nicola Walker, whose performances are second to one.
How can I watch Second Coming?
Second Coming is available to watch now on Channel 4.
What other Nicola Walker dramas can I watch now?
If you enjoy a good crime drama, we’d recommend Collateral. Set over the course of four days, the series follows the repercussions of a fatal shooting of pizza delivery man Abdullah Asif (Sam Otto) - and the impact it has on those unknowingly connected to it, including Nicola's Jane Oliver. Collateral is available to watch now on Netflix. For period drama fans, we’d suggest Mary & George. Inspired by a true story, Julianne Moore gives a superb performance as Mary Villiers, the woman who moulded her son to seduce King James I and improve the fortunes of her family, while Nicola Walker plays her adversary, Lady Elizabeth Hatton. You can watch Mary & George on Sky and NOW.