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As much as I enjoy discussing the finale of “Succession” or watching a juror involve himself in an off-the-walls trial unknowingly surrounded by actors, watching Australian shows or movies adds something unique. It is a pleasant surprise to see a familiar place or language while being entertained.
I have been trying to watch more Australian content lately, so I asked my colleagues for suggestions. Here are some Australian shows and movies that we have been watching recently, perfect for any mood:
For a tender love story, check out…
“Of an Age”: This queer love story from director Goran Stolevski recounts a 24-hour encounter between a teenager and the older brother of his delinquent best friend. Set in Melbourne’s unglamorous suburbs during the late 1990s, the film evokes nostalgia. Stolevski depicts this era and place as claustrophobic and sometimes discriminatory, but the unexpected connection between the two protagonists and the joy of the unwritten adult life ahead of them is heartwarming. Elias Anton and Thom Green deliver stunning performances that emphasize the endearing moments of this bittersweet narrative. Although the Australian suburbs and time period are specific, the appeal of “Of an Age” is universal. — Natasha Frost
For a glimpse of ordinary people pushed to their limits, try…
“Alone Australia”: This show is unlike many reality TV programs because it lacks the manufactured drama that often comprises their core. There aren’t any challenges or behind-the-scenes producer-driven storylines. Instead, ten Australians are left alone with their thoughts, struggling to survive in the frigid Tasmanian wilderness. The show is as much about mental endurance as physical tenacity, with some contestants disclosing feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. The unflinching documentation of a veteran’s post-traumatic stress disorder and the mourning of a child’s death by another participant add to the show’s intimacy. Nearly the entire program is filmed by the contestants themselves. — Yan Zhuang
For a classic film with modern-day parallels, try…
“Breaker Morant”: This 1980 film, written by Bruce Beresford and starring Bryan Brown in an electrifying role, is a tale of three Australian soldiers accused of war crimes during the 1901 Boer War. Their British commanders abandon them, and the story unfolds through a trial and flashbacks, highlighting the cruelty of vengeful war and the arrogance of an empire that refers to Australians as “colonials.” The drama eerily parallels the case of Ben Roberts-Smith, revealing the way power and certainty have been and continue to be twisted toward pain and partial justice. — Damien Cave
For a big concept in a short amount of time, try…
“An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It”: “Everything Everything All At Once” may have won the biggest prizes at this year’s Academy Awards, but this scientifically oriented 11-minute Australian animation film received an Oscar nomination as well. The film, made by Lachlan Pemberton, an animation student in Australia, has a similar theme to the Academy Award-winner and explores the limits of our universe, leaving the audience in awe. The stop-motion animation behind the film is visually stunning, but the stomach-churning twist that rips the face off our hero and his world will leave you realizing just how much it has lured you in. — Natasha Frost
Now, for this week’s stories:
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The Grand Canyon, a Cathedral to Time, Is Losing Its River. The Colorado River, which carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years, is now in crisis from climate change and overuse.
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Can He Fix ‘Palace of Scaffolding’ in Time for Belgium’s 200th Birthday? An architect trying to renovate his beloved but crumbling Palace of Justice in Brussels, once the largest building in the world, faces challenges in design and politics.
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Inside Trump’s Club When the Call Came: You’re Indicted. Former President Donald Trump, his aides, and allies cranked their political
Author: OpenAI
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