Synchronicity’s focus on literary-driven adaptations includes recent projects The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Cry

Synchronicity Films will adapt Liam McIlvanney’s thriller The Good Father for television, having acquired the screen rights.

Jacquelin Perske will adapt the psychological thriller, set on the Ayrshire coast. When a child goes missing from the beach outside a family home, the resulting community suspicion and unravelling of family secrets have a devastating impact.

Synchronicity’s Claire Mundell will exec produce the series alongside regular creative collaborator Perske, who will write all episodes.

Perske, whose credits for the Scottish indie include The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Cry, said: “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 and the way it explores what happens when the worst thing imaginable doesn’t end, but changes shape. I’m thrilled to be adapting The Good Father for Synchronicity and can’t wait to bring Gordon, Sarah and Rory’s world to the screen.”

Mundell said: “We love a brilliant thriller at Synchronicity and Liam’s novel had us hooked from page one. 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.”

Synchronicity’s upcoming slate includes The Young Team, a six-part drama adaptation for BBC, based on Graeme Armstrong’s literary debut, and a raft of literary-driven returning drama for UK and international audiences.

The Good Father deal was negotiated by Rebecca Watson of Valerie Hoskins Associates on behalf of James Gill of Felicity Bryan Associates.