Screen Australia (Australia): 8

Stateless (2020), an Australian television drama series, premiered on ABC TV on 1 March 2020. Its six episodes were later made available on Netflix starting 8 July 2020. The show draws inspiration from the true account of Cornelia Rau, an Australian citizen who was wrongfully held under the government’s mandatory detention initiative. The show revolves around four individuals at an immigration detention centre in the Australian desert: a flight attendant evading a suburban cult, an Afghan refugee seeking refuge from persecution, a young Australian father escaping a mundane job, and a bureaucrat involved in a national scandal. ...

The science fiction horror film, The Invisible Man (2020), is a new adaptation of the 1933 movie of the same name. Written and directed by Leigh Whannell, it is based on H.G. Wells’ novel with a similar title. In the film, Cecilia Kass finds herself in an abusive relationship with wealthy optics engineer and businessman, Adrian Griffin. He is also the CEO of Cobalt, a human-computer augmentation company. One night, she drugs Adrian with her diazepam and escapes his highly-secured house with her younger sister’s help. Cecilia seeks refuge at the home of her ...

The Australian mystery drama thriller film, The Dry (2020), was directed by Robert Connolly and written by both Connolly and Harry Cripps. It is based on Jane Harper’s book of the same title from 2016. Federal Agent Aaron Falk makes a trip back to his hometown of Kiewarra in Victoria for the funeral of his childhood friend Luke Hadler. Luke was believed to have killed his wife Karen and son Billy before taking his own life, leaving only their baby daughter Charlotte ...

Jungle (2017) is an Australian biographical survival drama film, based on the true story of Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg’s 1981 journey into the Amazon rainforest. Taking place in South America, it follows three friends – Yossi (Israeli), Kevin (American), and Marcus (Swiss) – who meet Karl (Austrian), a stranger claiming to be a unique guide. He promises to take them deep into the Amazon jungle to see a lost Indian tribe. After some convincing, they embark on this adventure, bringing along supplies and planning to restock at a village along the way. Led by Karl, they trek through the jungle smoothly until arriving at their planned stop for ...

The Turning (2013) is an Australian anthology drama that debuted at the Melbourne International Film Festival on 3 August 2013. It is based on a collection of short stories by Tim Winton published in 2005. The film was recognized with a nomination for Best Feature Film at the 2013 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and also screened as part of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival’s Berlinale Special Galas selection. The Turning delves into the lasting effects of the past on our present. It shows how the unexpected events that alter and mold us can never be evaded or ...

Directed by John Curran, the Australian drama film Tracks (2013) stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Based on Robyn Davidson’s memoir of the same name, it follows her nine-month camel trek through the Australian desert. The film was featured at both the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival (Special Presentation) and the 70th Venice International Film Festival. In 1977, Robyn moves to Alice Springs with plans to embark on a 2,700-kilometre journey across the ...

Rake (2010–2018), an Australian TV show that debuted on ABC in 2010 and is created by Essential Media and Entertainment, follows the story of Cleaver Greene, a charming yet self-destructive barrister from Sydney. Throughout the series, he represents clients who are often found guilty. The fifth and final season began production in October 2017 and was released on August 19th, 2018. Cleaver Greene is a complex character, described differently by those who know him. While his ex-wife sees him as unreliable, his son considers him a loyal friend. His fellow lawyers call him a witty wag, while jurors find him hilarious and judges often ...

The Australian survival horror film, The Reef (2010), follows a group of friends on a dangerous voyage to Indonesia. Luke, the captain, invites his companions Matt and Suzie, along with Matt’s sister Kate and sailor Warren, to join him on the trip. However, their journey becomes perilous when they encounter a coral reef which causes their yacht to capsize. As the current pulls them further away from land, Luke makes a plan for them to swim to nearby Turtle Island. Meanwhile, Warren activates an EPIRB device but is informed by Luke that it requires a plane overhead to receive the signal. While Luke suggests swimming to safety on the island, Warren strongly ...