After the Party

Imagine believing something so powerfully inside of you that your entire life becomes a train wreck and, to everyone else, you are a loose canon of mammoth proportions. Is it true or is it not?

This is another amazing New Zealand production, like so many of theirs.

Robyn Malcolm is sensational. The entire cast fits their roles perfectly. The scenery is stunning. I began to watch a few minutes and binge watched the entire 6 of series 1, in one afternoon and evening.

Denial, lies, the delicate balance of trust. The fragility of youth. Manipulation and control. If you are a victim of abuse I would say to watch this with caution. A must watch.

This mini series is quite raw and purposely uncomfortable. Don't expect to see a hero storyline. The characters are messy and they draw you in starting with the first ep. The viewer will continue to question if they know where the show is going. Is Phil guilty of a horrendous and disgusting crime??? ...or has Penny convinced herself that certain events occurred when they actually didn't? Even Penny seems to be questioning her memory and what she really saw that night at the party. The first three episodes pack a lot of punch in terms of storyline and plot twists. Each episode only leaves more questions. The ending doesn't disappoint and you will likely be sitting there asking yourself how you couldn't see where the story was going all along. Get ready for a slight cliff hanger though with the show not quite answering one final question (although I think it's assumed it could only be answered one way with final scene). Amazing acting by Robyn Malcolm who totally steals the show.

I see absolutely why some people find it slow moving, but really stick with it as the story/tension builds brilliantly to its quietly devasting climax. I binged watched as I just had to discover where the story would lead and, for me, that worked really well. I totally invested in Pennie's character and her dilemma. If it had been a 'film' that performance is Oscar-worthy. The direction is beautifully understated and the whole cast seems brilliantly chosen for the authenticity. If you feel uncomfortable watching this I suspect the writers, director and actors have achieved exactly what they intended.

An amazing series. Possibly the best I have watched in years.

Brilliantly acted and is and absolutely gripping throughout. The lead actress is outstanding (she seemed like a New Zealand version of Frances McDormand)

The series deals with the complex issue of sexual abuse in a sensitive manner, and provides insight into the devastating impact upon victims and all those affected. It is illustrates that reporting sexual abuse is never straightforward.

I can't believe some viewers found the series to be slow and boring (and I can't imagine what more they possibly could want out of a series like this).

Wow what a mini series.

An incredibly uncomfortable view from start to finish due to its plot line and clever directing.. this is not an easy watch!! It could have easily gone to the extreme like more series with a similar story, but the direction it goes is so SO realistic that it's heart wrenching to view. The acting is phenomenal, you find yourself in the story. Robyn in particular is quite an extraordinary talent, she is a rare gift !

They could have easily of made this into a typical 12 episode series, but making it a short series of 6 hits the pace of the story perfectly. I highly recommend. It's a very rare 10 from me.