The first episode of Savage River is surprisingly entertaining and interesting.
In the first episode of the series, It is mostly an introduction - which is all done pretty well. We are shown the location, key characters and our main character, Miki Anderson. We slowly learn what Miki did to land in jail through the characters around her. I liked how the show did this because all the characters have slightly different reactions to Miki's coming back. A woman who knew Miki from high-school shies away once she recognizes her. The victims parents both have different reactions to her; one parent being more welcoming and 'forgiving' than the other. Her brother seems to try and shy away from what she did and her mum - despite us not seeing her much, seems to have a disconnect from her. Ultimately, the town is torn in its reactions. Other plot points like the Campaigns, The Factory and the illegal passport-holding story lines are interesting but we will have to see where these lead. My favourite out of the three is definitely the factory plot line because I have not seen a show set even partially in a meat factory - so that is different!
The acting from all of the cast seems really good. Specifically Katherine Langford, Cooper Van Grootel and Julian Weeks. If you watch Australian TV regularly you will also recognize some other characters like Bernard Curry and Sally-anne Upton.
On a more technical side, I was a bit disappointed. I mean. Everything is in focus, lighting is fine and the shots show us what we need to see but everything sums up to visual boredom. Except for the factory scenes that is. Sound design is good and the music, while a bit cliche and stereotypical works. Cinematography is pretty bland. Lens choices seem limited. This saddens me. I love style in these shows and if used right can compliment the show's narrative and vision!
In summary, I am excited for the upcoming episodes of Savage River! I really hope that it doesn't shy away from getting darker and grittier as well, including the style!
In the first episode of the series, It is mostly an introduction - which is all done pretty well. We are shown the location, key characters and our main character, Miki Anderson. We slowly learn what Miki did to land in jail through the characters around her. I liked how the show did this because all the characters have slightly different reactions to Miki's coming back. A woman who knew Miki from high-school shies away once she recognizes her. The victims parents both have different reactions to her; one parent being more welcoming and 'forgiving' than the other. Her brother seems to try and shy away from what she did and her mum - despite us not seeing her much, seems to have a disconnect from her. Ultimately, the town is torn in its reactions. Other plot points like the Campaigns, The Factory and the illegal passport-holding story lines are interesting but we will have to see where these lead. My favourite out of the three is definitely the factory plot line because I have not seen a show set even partially in a meat factory - so that is different!
The acting from all of the cast seems really good. Specifically Katherine Langford, Cooper Van Grootel and Julian Weeks. If you watch Australian TV regularly you will also recognize some other characters like Bernard Curry and Sally-anne Upton.
On a more technical side, I was a bit disappointed. I mean. Everything is in focus, lighting is fine and the shots show us what we need to see but everything sums up to visual boredom. Except for the factory scenes that is. Sound design is good and the music, while a bit cliche and stereotypical works. Cinematography is pretty bland. Lens choices seem limited. This saddens me. I love style in these shows and if used right can compliment the show's narrative and vision!
In summary, I am excited for the upcoming episodes of Savage River! I really hope that it doesn't shy away from getting darker and grittier as well, including the style!