NETFLIX drama Behind her Eyes is facing criticism for its portrayal of characters from Scotland, with an MP accusing the show of using “outdated stereotypes”.
The psychological thriller was released on Netflix last week and follows the story of mum Louise, who begins an affair with her new boss, David, then starts a secretive friendship with his wife, Adele.
The two main Scottish characters are not played by Scots. David is portrayed by Oxford-born Tom Bateman – whose Scottish accent was described as “scary” by viewers.
READ MORE: Trainspotting at 25: Why the Scottish classic still resonates today
In one scene a character called Sue describes David as “miserable”, telling Louise: “They say that about the Scots, don’t they?”
“Stingy, isn’t it?” she replies.
Later following an argument between David and Louise, Sue tells her: “Told you – Scottish. Bad tempered, aren’t they?”
The series also features Yorkshireman Robert Aramayo, who plays a Scottish drug user.
OK... I watched 'Behind Her Eyes'... Forget about the mad plot... did anyone else catch the anti-scot Script?? Apparently all 'Scots' are either 'miserable' or 'mean'... knitting pure officially ripped out. #BehindHerEyes
— Sadenia Eddi Reader (@eddireader) February 21, 2021
Musician Eddi Reader said the programme, which is based on a book by Sarah Pinborough, featured an “anti-Scot” script.
She wrote on Twitter: “Did anyone else catch the anti-Scot script? Apparently all Scots are either miserable or mean.
“I don't accept it and never ever will.”
Two SNP MPs also hit out at the programme, with Stewart Hosie (below) telling The Mirror: “These daft, tasteless, inaccurate and outdated stereotypes should be consigned to history.”
Steven Bonnar, the MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, added: “We Scots are extremely generous people. Scottish hospitality is truly world-renowned.”
Other viewers wrote online that the use of accents made them “uncomfortable”.
Reader said she had spoken to the book’s author online, who clarified she was not part of the adaptation process beyond selling the rights.
Parts of Behind her Eyes were filmed in Scotland, with Ardkinglas House on the shores of Loch Fyne used as the set for Adele’s family home.
Netflix declined to comment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel