The Circuit

I went into this with low expectations, mainly due to the underwhelming performance of Aaron Pedersen in a previous series (Homicide). Even though he is not a particularly distinguished actor, Pedersen is smart enough to let other actors shine in this series. And wonderful actors they are, natural and heartfelt. The stories all resonate, especially during the first season. Highly recommended.

Having been added to streaming service Stan The Circuit is well worth a watch. Consisting of only two seasons this up close and personal examination of hard life in the Kimberly region of northern Western Australia pulls no punches.

Brilliant series. Nothing matches it these days unfortunately.

It's difficult for me to properly rate this season as I could only bare to finish one episode (episode 4).

I must agree with another reviewer in his or her comment that the style of the camera work is highly distracting. In all truth, within the first few minutes of watching the first episode, I began to get a headache due to the crash zooms, sudden pans, deliberately shaky hand-held shots, and the quick cuts. I realize that this was a popular technique for a few years and many directors had a go with it, but director Catriona McKenzie seems to have embraced it thoroughly. Thankfully, that fad was short-lived and will hopefully never rear its ugly head again.

Episode four is the only episode in season one that wasn't directed by Catriona McKenzie or Richard Frankland (who it seems also followed this methodology). The story is fine, along with the acting, etc. However, when skipping so many episodes one is left, unfortunately, to decide which is worse: missing character stories or risking a possible stroke.

Two seasons - we wish there were more. This show hooked us. We became quickly invested in these peoples lives. Interesting characters and plots and excellent script. The story and characters feel genuine, the plot and dialogue are meaningful and thought-provoking (never cloying). The performances are fantastic, so natural, and so engaging.

The series has won several well deserved awards. This show has been an eye opener for me. I can't recommend this series enough. This is the first series I have seen whose cast is almost entirely Aboriginal peoples and the soundtrack is by Aboriginal musicians/songwriters.

I can't recommend this series enough.