Dark Aussie drama compels
Photos: Supplied Broadchurch 8.30pm, TVNZ1 Billed as the final chapter, this third, eight-part series of the critically acclaimed and oftimitated British drama sees Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) reuniting to investigate a serious sexual assault. ‘‘It’s brilliant by both Colman and Tennant again, a portrait of a close working relationship that is at times tetchy, at others bordering on close friendship, but always convincing and so very human,’’ wrote The Guardian‘ s Sam Wollaston. ‘‘The new series has new momentum. So far, at least, it’s a return to form.’’ The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 8.30pm, Three Bill Nighy and Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith star in this 2011 dramedy about a group of British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. ‘‘A rare reminder from movies that the grand emotions are not only for the young and the middle-aged, ‘‘ wrote the San Francisco Chronicle‘ s Mick La Salle. Friday, 8.30pm Duke Two Hands meets Underbelly by way of The Castle – that’s probably the best description for this stunningly put together 2010 Aussie crime drama.
Loosely inspired by the 1988 Walsh St incident, writerdirector David Michod’s film creates a Melbourne underworld that’s both benignly suburban and utterly vicious and remorseless.
Animal Kingdom derives its power from an insidious, creeping tension and surprising plot twists and turns. Moments of domestic calm are juxtaposed with swift brutality and the story can shift gears in an instant. Kingdom draws the audience in by getting into the nitty-gritty and domesticity of homelife, on both sides of the law.
But if this magically malevolent film has a trump card, it’s the cast. As well as the ever reliable Guy Pearce ( The Supplied Road), the story is filled with Aussie character actors at the top of their game. Joel Edgerton ( Warrior) is charismatic as Barry, the brains of the outfit, veteran actress Jacki Weaver (TV’s Blunt Talk) is a pint-sized, but towering touchy-feely menace (Cheryl West crossed with Sylvania Waters‘ Noeline Baker by way of Kate ‘‘Ma’’ Baker), while Ben Mendelsohn ( Rogue One) nearly steals the show with his conflicted career crim. - James Croot