Upright

The road movie is a rich and often mined creative seam. Think Easyrider, Thelma and Louise and even Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in African Queen. In Upright we have the classic formula of two misfits with different and sometimes competing agendas thrown together. While this could easily have descended into cliché, this is far from the case here. Tim MInchin, is brilliant and moving in portraying a character falling apart psychologically as he endeavours to face his demons. Milly Alcock is a mini powerhouse of kickass attitude whose drive and stickability as she warms to the task of ensuring the piano reaches its goal is both endearing and poignant. The final episode is moving but not in a maudlin way as it draws together the points that have been alluded to by means of flashbacks throughout the earlier scenes. The metaphor occupied by the piano as the central point of the series is a brilliant piece of writing. Some of the scenes, without giving too much away, for example the horse being replaced by the piano in the horse box, is priceless. R H Young (Dhanmondi Road 2019)

I'll start by confessing that Tim Minchin has done nothing. NOTHING for me in his fairly long and, largely, highly succesful career, so when it was suggested I watch this I doubted I'd get past episode one.

How wrong could I have been?

By the end of episode eight, binged in two days, the tears rolled down my cheeks.

It's bawdy, ballsy, rude, ridiculous, hilarious, breathtaking, touching, sincere and is based on a largely unpredictable storyline that twists and turns like a Tasmanian Devil.

It also features a stand out, frankly equal footing, performance by 19 year old Australian actress, Milly Alcock, remember that name, she's the next Margot Robbie.

A truly excellent TV series, right up there with Succession, Fleabag and Chernobyl as my favourites of 2019.

This is an incredibly well written, beautifully directed series. One which I cannot recommend highly enough. With the exception of one very minor side story that I'm not sure really added anything this show is an amazing example of what makes great TV.

The script is incredible. There are very few words that are wasted, and the way the story develops is a thing of beauty.

I can only imagine how proud Tim and the team behind this must be with the masterpiece.

It was an emotional rollercoaster, but an absolute joy to watch. I wish I could delete my memory of it to fully enjoy it again.

I have never taken the time to write a review for a show. But this one truly touched me. I'm in the U.S. and was able to see it and its sad to think that I could have missed it. Milly blew my mind with her performance, for someone her age to project such a range of emotions it was just incredible, She has such a bright future. And Tim, I expected good, but damn. Excellent job sir, an amazingly complex character that you couldn't help but love. The two of you are an excellent duo. Thank you.

This show is nothing new in terms of format. Your typical getting from a to b with some hyjinx along the way. However the onscreen chemistry between lucky and Meg are what elevates this show to deeply funny and emotional ride across the breathtaking aus outback.

I didn't do any research before watching and went in blind but I was not disappointed. Equal parts hilarity and pure emotion and the season finale had me in bits.

Highly recommend and the soundtrack is suitably stunning.