In a provocative exploration of societal norms, Paramount+ has launched “Curfew,” a new drama series that posing a challenging question: Could implementing a curfew for men actually reduce violence against women and girls? Set in a dystopian future, the show introduces a world governed by The Women’s Safety Act, mandating a curfew for men from 7 PM to 7 AM, with their movements continuously tracked via ankle tags, all with the aim of significantly curbing violence against women.
As the plot unfolds, the discovery of a murdered woman during curfew hours raises urgent questions about the efficacy of such policies and invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of gender-based violence.
The series follows Helen, a schoolteacher portrayed by Alexandra Burke, who steps outside her usual musical roles to take on a character facing harrowing choices. “There’s a lot of fear that comes with simply being a woman sometimes,” Burke shared. “I thought this project could ignite critical conversations—some might support the idea of a curfew for men, while others will vehemently oppose it. The reality is that not every man presents a threat to women, which makes this concept all the more intriguing.”
The show delves into the persistent tension between societal views and the harsh realities of gender safety, questioning whether simplistic solutions can genuinely tackle the complexities of gender violence.
Sarah Parish plays the determined detective Pamela Green, who is dedicated to solving the murder case, yet she faces doubt from her colleagues who challenge the belief that only men can commit violent acts. Executive producer Nathalie Peter-Contesse outlines the show’s objective: “We want to shift the burden of responsibility for women’s safety onto men and the government. Imagine a world where women didn’t have to constantly watch their backs or worry about being out late. In reality, it feels like women live under a curfew, as any incident involving them after midnight is accompanied by scrutiny regarding their actions.”
The topic of women’s safety is more pressing than ever, especially following high-profile incidents like the murder of Sarah Everard, which reignited discussions in the UK. The bold proposition by Baroness Jenny Jones for an 18:00 curfew for men was seen by some as a radical yet symbolic gesture aimed at highlighting the lengths women go to for their safety.
Following the classification of violence against women and girls as a “national emergency” in the UK, with over one million related crimes reported in England and Wales during the 2022-23 period, the Labour government has committed to halving this violence over the next decade through reforms focused on education and holding offenders accountable.
Notably, the series doesn’t shy away from the possibility of women committing acts of violence, challenging traditional gender norms. Alongside Burke and Parish, the cast features Larry Lamb, Bobby Brazier, and Mandip Gill. “Curfew” is set to stream on Paramount+ starting October 10, aiming to spark essential conversations about critical societal issues.
