Stateless

Incredible performances and heart breaking story. As an Australian living overseas this is so important for the world to see how Australia treats its refugees. People do not know how lucky they are just to be born in a certain country and have so many comforts that are so easy when compared to those in third World war stricken countries. We take it for granted. Stays with you long after watching!

The programme is based around a true story of four intwining stories set at an Australian refugee camp. You have a conflicted guard, Conflicted Boss, a broken refugee family and an Australian woman with severe mental health issues who shouldn't be locked up there played fantastically by the star of the show Yvonne Strahovski. This programme is a real eye opener that has you questioning how the world treats the less fortunate families coming from war torn dangerous countries.

As a white male, it felt very humbling to watch this series. I do not think that I have felt so lucky to be an American citizen and someone who is not an immigrant. All my life I have heard stories of immigration stories, but it is different to see their struggle and plight on-screen.

My favorite storyline was of Ameer (Fayssal Bazzi) and his struggle to provide the best life for his family. He is sincere, kind and cares deeply for his family. I was reminded by my father and how he provides for us. The series exposes the problems with immigration systems as they believe Ameer to be a criminal simply because of his background.

There is a universal problem with the immigration policies of countries. Images of Latino children in cages reflect how poorly they are. This TV show furthers that, but there is a current theme that we are all human beings. Immigrants are not to be treated as less than or different, but just like how everyone should be treated. This is a major storyline with guard Cam Sandford (Jai Courtney) conflicted between his sister (pro-refugee activist) and his fellow guards.

The Barton facility (where the immigrants are held) has guards who treat the immigrants as if they are animals: there is no humanity, compassion or dignity. Furthering the theme of humanity is the character of Sofie Werner (Yvonne Strahovski). Her character portrays a contrast between the immigrants and herself. Her character is damaged because her freedoms and hopes have been destroyed, which is interesting to me. The immigrants contain all of these hopes and dreams for their futures, but in a way, she doesn't believe that her life holds anything happy or positive in store for her future.

Her scenes with Cate Blanchett and Dominic West were particularly amazing and standout moments of the show. Of course, both were scene stealers and every scene with them was amazing.

I cannot begin to sing the praises of this series! There are many different characters and themes that add many layers to the show. There is a theme of balloons, which I was not able to figure out, but that might have to do with ascendancy or being free. I love this miniseries and highly suggest it!!!

Difficult to watch at times, but nothing like the pain experienced at these facilities. Shame on us, as humanity to treat one another so.

This is an excellent drama, heartbreaking, intense & beautifully acted by the whole cast. I'd no idea how it could only have a rating of 7 till I realised those who have no sympathy for the plight of refugees had been maliciously low-scoring it. Ignore them & watch this for it tells a story we should all be witness to.

Well done to all involved.