UK viewers can now enjoy an enthralling Australian crime drama that has captured the attention of critics and fans alike. The six-part series Savage River was directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, known for her work on The Dressmaker, and featured the talents of cinematographer Don McAlpine, who has worked on acclaimed films such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet.
Originally released in 2022, the show starred Katherine Langford, who gained fame for her role in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, as well as appearances in Cursed, Love, Simon, and Knives Out. This week, the entire series became available for free on ITVX, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The storyline follows Miki Anderson, played by Langford, who returns to her hometown in rural Victoria after ten years in prison with the intention of starting anew. However, when a murder occurs in the town, Miki becomes the prime suspect, forcing her to uncover the truth and clear her name.
Critics have drawn comparisons between Savage River and popular series like Broadchurch and Sharp Objects, praising its gripping narrative and atmospheric setting.
The Age highlighted the unsettling tone of the show, noting that “as its name suggests, there’s nothing inviting about the town of Savage River. The atmosphere is menacing and the residents appear tense and worn down by their lives. It’s a community scarred by a violent past and riven by covert animosities and allegiances.”
Meanwhile, The West Australian described the series as “unsettling, beautiful to look at and impeccably acted – this series looks set to be a hit. If you loved Sharp Objects, you’ll devour this excellent new drama. A must-see.”
The Conversation praised the show for its refusal to rely on racist, misogynist, and classist tropes. Instead, it focused on the corrupting influence of patriarchal, capitalist leaders who have built their fortunes through violence. The review also noted the apathy and racism within the police force, as well as the emotional depth of the characters.
Fans of the series have shared their thoughts on IMDb, with many highlighting the strong performances and compelling plot.
One viewer, lachie-ince, wrote: “Savage River was a brilliantly paced crime/drama with an incredible cast to back it up. From the outset, the plot line found a grounded feel, and escalated in a suspenseful, subversive manner.”
Another fan, ntgselucy, added: “Give it a watch, it’ll definitely make you think, sad, thankful, sympathetic, angry, happy, cry, and lose sleep cause you won’t want to stop watching.”
Lu_Dan shared: “The series held my complete attention right to the end, and I was really moved by the final moments – this was so well done.”
The show features a stellar cast, including Mark Coles Smith from Apple Cider Vinegar, Robert Grubb from The Newsreader, Nadine Garner from The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Jacqueline McKenzie from Mix Tape, Daniel Henshall from The Babadook, and Cooper Van Grootel from One of Us Is Lying.
Virginia Gay, best known for her role in All Saints, plays police detective Rachel Kennedy. A local who got pregnant as a teenager, she later married, divorced, and moved away to pursue her career.
Speaking to The Age, Gay described the show as “an Australian Broadchurch, with that sense that everybody’s got a motive, everybody’s got an alibi, and those alibis are connected to other people who also have a motive.”
She also praised the writing, which focused on subtle interactions and unspoken tensions. “I really responded to the writing, which was so much about things existing in the shared looks. These are people who are used to seeing each other and who know each other’s mannerisms, so just a look lets you know that there’s something between them.”
Gay added: “I loved being a part of a story where the visual language was as important to the storytelling as what characters are saying to each other.”
Savage River is currently streaming on ITVX. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting the Submit Stuff page.
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