BAFTA-winning indie Synchronicity Films has secured the screen rights to The Good Father, the critically acclaimed thriller from one of Scotland’s best-loved novelists, Liam McIlvanney.
Set on the Ayrshire coast, The Good Father is an emotionally charged mystery that explores the harrowing aftermath of a child’s disappearance outside the family home. The novel, a critics’ summer-reading favourite, dives into trauma, family secrets and the corrosive power of suspicion posing the terrifying question: what could be worse than your child vanishing?
The screen adaptation will be executive produced by Synchronicity’s Founder and Creative Director Claire Mundell, alongside long-time collaborator Jacquelin Perske, who will write all episodes. Perske, whose credits include The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Cry, brings a proven pedigree to the adaptation, with both previous Synchronicity projects earning BAFTA and Emmy recognition.
“We love a brilliant thriller at Synchronicity and Liam’s novel had us hooked from page one,” said Mundell. “He’s the Scottish Stephen King! The Good Father is deeply suspenseful and propulsive, whilst asking complex moral and emotional questions—qualities that align perfectly with Synchronicity’s passion for adapting bold, compelling and emotionally resonant stories.”
McIlvanney said he was “thrilled” the book had found a home with Synchronicity. “Claire and her team have such a gift for bringing complex, human stories to the screen with deep emotional truth and turning them into unforgettable drama,” he said. “I know Jacquelin will bring huge heart and insight to this adaptation.”
Perske added: “Liam’s story asks such raw, powerful questions about family, trust and how we rebuild after unimaginable loss. It’s impossible not to be drawn to its heartbreaking honesty.”
The deal was negotiated by Rebecca Watson of Valerie Hoskins Associates on behalf of James Gill at Felicity Bryan Associates. The Good Father is published by Bonnier Books UK.
Synchronicity’s recent credits include international hit The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Sky, Stan, Peacock), BBC One’s Mayflies, and psychological thriller The Cry. Its upcoming slate includes The Young Team, a six-part BBC drama based on Graeme Armstrong’s literary debut.
