One Night

I have a common interest in these types of stories, but this one really caught my attention. At first, i was going to watch it just for Jodie Whittaker. But as it went on, my emotions really skyrocketed even more than i imagined they would. I think all the actors did a brilliant job portraying their roles. It's such a rare experience to see queer normalisation and thats not even the focus of the plot. This show deserves way more love. I will happily recommend this to absolutely anyone who has an interest in dramas to do with past traumas. Please boost this show. There isn't enough content surrounding it.

Is it true? Or have you created memories, because you do not want to remember what really happened?

Maybe you remember bits and pieces, how you felt at that particular night? What you thought has happened?

But then again, maybe you have blocked the whole night out in order to protect yourself?

Where is the truth between what these three women remember? Perhaps somewhere in the middle. Perhaps they do not have all the information that they need, in order to find out.

I watched this in one day, I am the same age as these women and I still find it difficult to admit that 20 years ago the concept of consent was unfamiliar territory.

I highly recommend watching "One Night." 6 parts. Stellar casting. Amazing cinematography of the Illawarra region including my favourite road. And an incredible storyline. I binge watched it over two nights. It is that good. Did I mention the cast? Already a fan of so many but this is next level acting. Jodie Whittaker. (Dr Who! Enough said) Yael Stone. (Orange Is The New Black) Nicole da Silva. (Wentworth) Plus supports who are usually leads themselves. Noni Hazlehurst. Tina Bursill. Best thing I've watched in a long time. The only reason that it didn't get 10 stars is that it dragged a little at one point.

Disclaimer: I would give this show a 8.5 or 9/10 but as I can see there is already some review bombing starting (including from people overseas who can't even watch the show legally)... It's getting a 10! This is exactly the kind of Australian content I want to see! A rare show clearly made by women for women but also just a damn fine Australian drama.

It has messy, complicated female characters who are all distinct, interesting to follow and equal parts deeply flawed and sympathetic. I didn't find any of them frustrating to follow in the episodes where they were the focus (each of the main three characters has two episodes focussed on them- as indicated by the titles of the episodes). I also found the relationship/friendship between the three women believably fractured and loaded for what they've been through, filled with subtext, secrets, and differing perspectives. Yet, at the core you can see the deep bond between the three.

It also has a complex and relevant story navigating trauma, friendship, family, memory, justice etc. I feel like just about every woman (and probably a lot of men too) can relate to the major traumatic event of the series and I generally like how it's handled. The show never feels like it is exploiting, glorifying or making a spectacle out of the trauma, and the mystery of what happened is less important than its fallout. It also deals with the justice system, and, once again, it is both infuriating and true to what goes on. Something I also love is how natural most of the dialogue is. The characters sound really unashamedly Australian in how they speak.

It also has a really beautiful Australian setting. It's so great seeing more stunning Australian areas getting featured in shows. Especially regional coastal areas of Australia. Australian film/TV has a big issue with always setting shows/films either in very rural Australian towns (usually drought-stricken, barren) or pockets of very white, coastal city suburbia. Regional coastal Australia especially has been woefully neglected and it's about time that changed.

Then there's the acting, which is top tier. The acting from the leads especially is incredible! It's so good! The three are powerhouses together, and there is never a sense of them trying to figure out the roles. They nail it from the start. All the emotional moments of the show hit so well. It's very satisfying to watch.

And a special kudos to Jodie Whittaker, who manages to pull off one of the best Australian accents out there, and still somehow give an amazing, understated and nuanced performance. Also as an Australian I feel so honoured that Jodie Whittaker picked an Australian show for her first role out of Doctor Who and was apparently willing to cut her maternity leave short and relocate here on the other side of the planet for months to film. That's commitment! Especially as she clearly put the hard yards into her Australian accent. She can come back here and play another Australian any time she likes! Seriously! She's an honorary Australian in my eyes and I'm sure many other Australians for that accent alone.

As for flaws, there are a few things but nothing that major. Some might understandably complain the pacing is slow at points, but I honestly didn't mind because I quite like a slow burn, and this kind of story flourishes in the character drama. I suppose that's personal preference. There were a few minor side characters or plotlines I wasn't as keen on, and a few plotlines/ plot points that felt like they weren't fully resolved or were dropped too quickly or conveniently, but nothing that left me feeling very dissatisfied. There was the rare line of dialogue that was a bit too obvious, and a few shots of the past felt a bit too on-the-nose whimsical. But overall I really enjoyed this miniseries and its attributes far outweighed its flaws! Definitely plan on rewatching it soon and I hope to see more Australian shows like it coming out! I love how many great Australian shows are coming out this year!

Great premise good friends after 20 years getting together and getting on well.

But one has wrote a book about a rape she saw 20 years ago on a mate.( anomalously) and turns out great. Ruffles this small town feathers and splits the friends up as they all had something to hide.

Simone who wrote the book had been doing a lot of dead end jobs but looking after her father with dementia ( I don't see any of friends helping her out). The cash will help her out.

Out of the wood works come some secrets. Nono Hazelhurst played a Scottish woman who owned the pub, but you can't understand her and she's in 18 century cloths.

Way too long.