Fingersmith is a richly atmospheric British television drama based on the novel by Sarah Waters, first aired in 2005 as a two-part miniseries. Directed by Aisling Walsh, the story is set in Victorian England and masterfully weaves a tale of deception, passion, betrayal, and unexpected love.

The plot follows Susan “Sue” Trinder (played by Sally Hawkins), a young orphan raised among petty thieves, or “fingersmiths,” in the grimy streets of London. She becomes entangled in a con led by the charming and manipulative “Gentleman” (Rupert Evans), who plans to swindle a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly (played by Elaine Cassidy), out of her inheritance. Sue is tasked with becoming Maud’s maid and confidante, slowly encouraging her to marry Gentleman, after which they plan to commit Maud to a madhouse and split her fortune.

However, what begins as a cold and calculated con becomes something more complicated as Sue and Maud develop a deep emotional connection. Their bond turns romantic, intensifying the stakes of the betrayal. But Fingersmith is full of twists, and just when the audience thinks they know what’s coming, the story flips expectations and reveals shocking secrets that reframe everything.

Beautifully acted, with stunning period details and haunting emotional depth, Fingersmith is not just a historical thriller but a powerful love story. It explores class, gender, identity, and trust with nuance and sophistication. The miniseries has received critical acclaim and remains a standout example of LGBTQ+ representation in historical drama, as well as one of the most compelling adaptations of Waters’ work.