The Survivors

After reading the book, was really looking forward to seeing the production of this compelling story. I understand that movies and series rarely live up to or measure up to the novel, but this is a real let down. Not sure whether it is the ordinary (over) acting, the screenplay and or the directing, but this is B Grade at best. Sorry to say that, as there are some quite well known and good actors involved in the series. On a positive, the scenery is great! And why in Australian productions do they (nearly) always portray the police as halfwits? Thespian theatrical bias showing? It lets down productions time and time again. Disappointing, unfortunately. Could have and should have been so much better.

I did get frustrated by the apparent slow pace of the first three episodes. It seemed like the story was dawdling and meandering without obvious purpose.

However, from Ep.4 onwards, I started to become more engaged in the plot. Perhaps I was starting to get my memory of all the names into proper place - confusing at first!

The denouement in the last two episodes was generally quite gripping. In some ways more of a "what actually happened" than a straight out "whodunnit". Perhaps the most captivating part of the series was the location. A quaint seaside location with beaches, cliffs and caves is a great adjunct to the intrigues of plot development.

Ultimately I did feel rewarded for sticking it out to the climactic end - enough to forgive one or two plausibility weaknesses that are probably inevitable with this type of mystery drama.

If you're a fan of Broadchurch and the like, then you should try The Survivors and approach it with patience in the first half of the series.

The Survivors is a hauntingly atmospheric drama set against the breathtaking Tasmanian coastline. The natural beauty of the setting contrasts sharply with the emotional scars and long-buried secrets of the characters. It's not just a murder mystery - it's a slow-burn exploration of grief, guilt, and the complexity of human relationships. The characters feel like people you might know: flawed, familiar, and deeply affected by their past. If you're drawn to stories with beautiful scenery, nuanced performances, and where every conversation seems to hide another layer of truth, this is a must-watch.

Definitely a twist. There are a lot of story building like every one of these shows. But this one really punched you in the gut because of the lead up. Its a great watch and definitely recommend. Although its a shirt series it really gets you hooked not kmow whats going to happen. Love these types of series. Sometimes I want it to last longer but it would just be stretching. Its perfect how it is. But now I need 200 more letters to write to be able to submit this review so if you are reading this part thanks for sticking by. I am running out of things to type so I am narrating myself to comple...

Initially I thought there were too many characters, but they were fleshed out really well and all had a part to play. At the end I wouldn't have taken anyone out. The chemistry between Mia and Kieran was a bit off, it wasn't until Liv came into the picture I understood that was intentional.

It's not really a whodunnit, so don't expect a great deal of mystery. It's a story of loss and how a small town deals with its grief. The family dynamics, the old friendships, the aesthetic made this an enjoyable watch. It was real, vulnerable and relatable. If you have a spare afternoon, give this show a try.