Evocative Aussie drama that follows the lives of several characters associated with an otherwise innocuous 40th birthday party (LaPaglia) when one of the guests (Dimitriadis) controversially slaps a four-year old who's misbehaving. The resulting court proceedings drive a wedge between friendships, family and reveal the character's vulnerabilities as they struggle with the ignominy of the event, its aftermath and their checkered pasts.
Controversial is probably the best way in which to describe this 8-part tele-series inspired by the novel, as it canvasses virtually the whole gamut of "edgy" subjects (depending on your moral barometer) in alleged rape, infidelity, substance abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, breast-feeding, cultural ethnicity, interracial marriage etc, etc. through vignettes in which each character is brought into focus for an episode. So saturated with touchy subjects, it almost seems like its contriving a narrative in which they can be showcased. I won't go as far to say that it's done with the sole intent of being controversial, but it does at times, appear gratuitous. Not meaning to sound like a prude, but it is possible to shock without being so explicit, all the time.
Acting seems mostly realistic (LaPaglia, George in particular) and the momentum keeps you engaged in spite of the often cringe-worthy content. If you enjoy the gritty realism of Australian drama then this should appeal, although it may be more confronting than you expect.
Controversial is probably the best way in which to describe this 8-part tele-series inspired by the novel, as it canvasses virtually the whole gamut of "edgy" subjects (depending on your moral barometer) in alleged rape, infidelity, substance abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, breast-feeding, cultural ethnicity, interracial marriage etc, etc. through vignettes in which each character is brought into focus for an episode. So saturated with touchy subjects, it almost seems like its contriving a narrative in which they can be showcased. I won't go as far to say that it's done with the sole intent of being controversial, but it does at times, appear gratuitous. Not meaning to sound like a prude, but it is possible to shock without being so explicit, all the time.
Acting seems mostly realistic (LaPaglia, George in particular) and the momentum keeps you engaged in spite of the often cringe-worthy content. If you enjoy the gritty realism of Australian drama then this should appeal, although it may be more confronting than you expect.