Bloom

Suspend belief and be transported to an idyllic country town in Victoria, Australia. The town is run down and many of the residents affected by a flood 12 months earlier. Slowly the story evolves to yield a complex web of connection between the main cast. The sci-fi is understated. No clever morphing or over the top blue screen special effects. This is old school film-making where the plot slowly exposes the frailities of the characters and their decisions to revisit their youth. The photography and settings are visually pleasing, the acting great. If you analyse the plot development too much it has a number of holes even if you accept the initial fountain of youth concept. A little too long, it is a commitment but worth the journey. I am not generally a sci-fi viewer, but this one captured me.

Bloom makes a valiant effort at trying to carry a wafer thin script over 6 hour long episodes but comes up well short. Firstly the positives it is beautifully shot with top class cinematography, there are some nuanced preformances from the likes of Brian Brown and Jackie Weaver but the standout performance is Ryan Corr who steals the show with his multilayered complex performance, a true star in the making. Sadly Phoebe Tonkin does not have the acting prowess nor the script to make the character of Gwen anyway intriguing nor memorable but the weakest link acting wise is that of Max played by an OTT clunky cringing Sam Reid whom gives a truly hammy performance. The script could have been edited to four episodes as six is much too long for a dragged out premise. If there is to be a second series I hope Ryan Corr's character could be explored further a much tighter condensed series could figuratively bloom

I liked it even though it's something that can't ever happen. Great acting and easy to follow. Found it both thought provoking and sad. Worth a look

I watched the entire season in a day, and yes I was hungover. However, it kept my attention the whole time and I got quite invested. The story - a flood devastates a small, country town in rural Australia and 5 people died. A glowing flower grows where they died and when eaten it makes you young. The storyline is driven forward tackling multiple themes and is both original and engrossing. The Acting - Superb! Every character is rounded, fleshed out and totally believable in their roles. The Production - Beautifully shot, a definite Aussie bush feel, a finely crafted production. Enjoyment - I was fully engaged the whole time. Rewatch/Recommend - I would not watch it again as it is at times quite heavy and dark yet I will recommend it. All in all, a stand out Australian production.

I nearly wasn't going to continue with it after episode one, but I pushed through. I'm thankful I did. It wasn't a masterpiece, but a few characters gripped me, others did not. I think it could have been condensed into 4 episodes instead of 6, as a few scenes (the entirety of episode 1) dragged out and were unnecessary to the plot. Overall, I enjoyed it. I'm hoping the upcoming second season will be slightly better, but the story felt finished so I'm intrigued with how they will continue it. Good quarantine/self-isolation entertainment.