Alfonso Cuarón Psychological Thriller ‘Ascension’ Lands Series Order at Apple TV

Alfonso Cuarón's psychological horror thriller, "Ascension," has secured a series order at Apple TV. Inspired by Adam Nevill's novel "Last Days," the series stars Caitríona Balfe, known for her roles in "Outlander" and "Belfast," as Rose. Rose is a tenacious documentary filmmaker and recently divorced mother who excels in unearthing others' truths but battles her own inner demons.

The logline reveals that Rose embarks on a project about the mysterious 20th-century cult, the Church of Ascension. Initially finding solace in its teachings, she soon uncovers something far more sinister. The series delves into themes of evil and innocence at the highest levels, interrogating the lengths one will go to protect loved ones, even if the greatest threat may originate within.

Produced by Apple Studios, the series is executive produced by Cuarón under a deal with Apple through his production company Esperanto Filmoj, with Anonymous Content as producer. Co-showrunners Natalie Erika James and Christian White, along with Cuarón and his brother Carlos Cuarón, craft the script. James will also serve as the lead director.

Other executive producers include Balfe, James, White, Esperanto Filmoj's Gabriela Rodriguez and Richard Schwartz, and Steve Golin, David Levine, and Zack Hayden of Anonymous Content. This collaboration between Cuarón, Anonymous Content, and Apple TV follows the limited series "Disclaimer," which garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice Award nominations for Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline.

It marks Cuarón's second project with Apple and Balfe's second collaboration with Apple Original Films, following "Tenzing." Anonymous Content also produces other Apple Originals, including the upcoming series "Neuromancer" and "12 12 12."