Coughlan Tackles Toxic Masculinity in New Drama

Nicola Coughlan stars in the upcoming two-part drama "I Am Helen," co-created with Dominic Savage, focusing on the pervasive issues of toxic masculinity in contemporary society. Coughlan asserts that society is not adequately addressing this rising challenge, particularly among young men.

The series, which features Joe Cole as Coughlan's partner, examines the pressures faced by women and the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity on relationships. It aims for a grounded portrayal, depicting relatable characters rather than extreme stereotypes.

Coughlan and Cole prepared by researching the "manosphere" but emphasized the drama's focus on the subtle, yet dangerous, influences of these ideologies on seemingly normal individuals.

Director Dominic Savage stated his intention was to create a story centered on women within the context of toxic masculinity, contrasting it with other media that might trivialize the subject. He sought to explore the disconnect he perceives between men and women in modern relationships.

Savage employed an improvisational filming method, similar to directors Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, which Coughlan described as both "terrifying" and "freeing" due to the reliance on spontaneous performance.

The drama's opening scene addresses sensitive topics like strangulation during sex, reflecting recent discussions and legislative changes in the UK. Intimacy coordinators were utilized to ensure safety during filming.

"I Am Helen" is set to launch on Channel 4 on November 10, 2026, and concludes the following night. The series is produced by Me+You Productions and co-funded by Sky Studios.