The Survivors

The writing is a little off plot-wise and its easy to guess what happened, especially with the original girl. Which makes it unbelievable that it wasn't investigated properly. The acting is fine, they all manage to portray their characters realistically and you get the feeling of how big the elephant is in every single room in the community. It is an extreme slowburn, but I think it is to really get a sense of how difficult things can be when there are so many secrets and open wounds among the townsfolk.

Whats great about this is the focus on the people and not some alcoholic detective, which every other show does.

"The Survivors" - A Slow Burn with Compelling Undercurrents The Australian mini-series, "The Survivors," draws viewers into the seemingly tranquil world of a bay village near Hobart, where a community grapples with the re-emergence of long-buried secrets. Fifteen years after an unexplained death, another fatality shatters the peace, forcing the residents to confront a past they've tried to forget.

The series weaves a complex tapestry of interconnected storylines, as old secrets begin to fray and unravel. While the plot's various threads promise intriguing revelations, the pacing of "The Survivors" is undeniably deliberate. A slight acceleration, perhaps by "half a notch," could enhance the overall flow and tension, keeping viewers more consistently on the edge of their seats.

Despite its somewhat leisurely pace, "The Survivors" offers a genuinely interesting narrative. The core mystery, coupled with the slow uncovering of past transgressions, creates a compelling sense of intrigue. This is further elevated by the strong performances of the cast, who effectively portray the conflicted emotions and hidden depths of their characters. Their nuanced performances ensure that even when the plot moves slowly, the human drama remains captivating.

Ultimately, "The Survivors" is a series that rewards patience. While a quicker tempo might have served it well, its compelling storyline and well-executed character portrayals make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate a slow-burn mystery with a strong dramatic core.

Nothing about the plot, the set of characters, the picturesque setting, the whodunnit element etc is particularly inventive or different from a hundred things you've seen before.

BUT the difference here is that the script is intelligent and fresh, the character development unexpectedly deep and affecting and the whole thing is carried off quite expertly without the usual 'groan moments' we so often get. The performances of main characters Kieran, Verity and Mia are particularly strong.

You need to stay with it through a couple of episodes for these qualities to blosssom. You could do a lot worse for entertainment.

No pun intended - one might think: well this seems like an open and shut case ... well if that is what you thought ... you can guess it now: you guessed wrong. I think the show runs a bit longer than it should have, but it still is very well written and played. And the characters - actors portraying them of course - really give it their all - very well drawn (drown?) - again no pun intended.

I didn't know what to expect from this - but I reckon it did succeed ... and I was entertained - though I reckon it's more like I was really interested in where this would be going ... with reveals upon reveals ... and they do seem to make sense too. At least they do pass the (fast) smell test ... no pun intended.

Initially I thought there were too many characters, but they were fleshed out really well and all had a part to play. At the end I wouldn't have taken anyone out. The chemistry between Mia and Kieran was a bit off, it wasn't until Liv came into the picture I understood that was intentional.

It's not really a whodunnit, so don't expect a great deal of mystery. It's a story of loss and how a small town deals with its grief. The family dynamics, the old friendships, the aesthetic made this an enjoyable watch. It was real, vulnerable and relatable. If you have a spare afternoon, give this show a try.