The Rising: Clara Rugaard stars in series inspired by Hotel Beau Sejour

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Clara Rugaard, best known for her role in the Netflix movie I Am Mother, is set to star in Sky's supernatural crime thriller series The Rising, which draws inspiration from the Belgian show Hotel Beau Sejour. Just like the lead characters on the two seasons of Hotel Beau Sejour, Rugaard will be playing someone who seeks to solve their own murder. Rugaard's character is Neve Kelly, 

a woman who discovers she is dead. She’s scared and confused by this new existence. But, when she realizes she has been murdered, she’s furious. She’s determined to find her killer and get justice, believing that it was someone she knew.

It's said that The Rising will have "a distinctive tone and visual style" as it tells a story about "love, justice, and the cost of pursuing the truth in a world that wants to keep it hidden".

The first Sky drama to be produced entirely in-house by Sky Studios, The Rising begins filming in England this month.

Rugaard is being joined in the cast by Daniel Ings and Emily Taaffe as Neve's estranged father and beloved mother, plus Nenda Neururer, Solly McLeod, Alex Lanipekun, and Robyn Cara.

Episodes of the eight-part series have been written by Pete McTighe, Charlotte Wolf, Charlene James, Roanne Bardsley, Gemma Hurley, and Laura Grace. The lead director on The Rising is Ed Lilly, who also serves as associate producer alongside Wolf. The show is being executive produced by McTighe, Serena Thompson, and Julian Stevens.

Stevens had this to say about the project: 

The unique concept behind The Rising grabbed me instantly. It’s a powerful story with a strong and unexpected protagonist at the heart of it. We explore subverting tropes throughout, giving agency to our central character and allowing much of narrative to be told from her perspective. It’s a pleasure to be working with Sky and our brilliant team on such a compelling and dynamic show."

Hotel Beau Sejour was created by Nathalie Basteyns, Kaat Beels, Sanne Nuyens, and Bert Van Dael.