A New Australian Thriller on Apple TV
Apple TV has unveiled a first look at Last Seen, an upcoming Australian-made thriller set in Victoria. The series stars Patrick Brammall, known for his roles in Colin from Accounts and The Devil Wears Prada 2, as a police detective investigating a mysterious distress call that could be from his long-missing daughter.
The series is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on 9 September and marks a significant release for the streaming service. With its unique blend of suspense and emotional depth, Last Seen is already generating considerable attention.
Adaptation of a Beloved Novel
Last Seen is an adaptation of Ryan David Jahn’s 2011 novel The Dispatcher, a crime thriller that was long-listed for the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award. While the original story was set in Bulls Mouth, East Texas, the Australian adaptation relocates the narrative to Victoria, Australia.
The official synopsis reads: “Police detective Ian Ridley’s (Brammall) life fell apart 11 years ago when his young daughter Maggie disappeared without a trace. Now working as a police dispatcher, the only thing that has kept him going is his implacable refusal to accept that she might be gone forever. When he receives a distress call from a teenage girl he is certain is Maggie, he will stop at nothing to find her and reunite his broken family, whatever the cost.”
A Star-Studded Cast
Patrick Brammall will be joined by a talented cast of local and international actors, including Maxine Peake (Black Mirror), Brendan Cowell (Dune: Prophecy), Daniel Henshall (Mickey 17), Jessica Wren (Mr. Inbetween), Zahra Newman (Thirteen Lives), and newcomer Chloe Jean Lourdes.
The production is being executive produced by Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta of 60Forty Films (Hijack, Slow Hordes), alongside Christian Schwochow (The Crown), Kris Mrksa (Requiem, No Escape), and Joanna Werner (The Newsreader, Riot) of Werner Film Productions.
Australian Content on Global Streaming Platforms
With this announcement, Last Seen becomes the latest Australian drama to find a home on a globally-recognised streaming platform. In recent months, several local productions have made their way onto platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix.
One of these new arrivals is Make That Movie, a comedy series starring Australian comedian Sam Campbell. It landed on Prime Video in May and has been described as a “very silly, very funny” new series driven by Campbell’s off-brand humour and slapstick comedy.
Another notable addition is Netflix’s new Kylie Minogue documentary, titled Kylie, which sheds light on one of Australia’s most prominent stars.
The Future of Australian Screen Content
In the coming months, we can expect to see more Australian productions making headlines. This is due to the growing support for local filmmakers, producers, and storytellers through funding and other incentives. With a wealth of major films and series in development across the country, the future of Australian screen content looks promising.
Other Notable Releases
In addition to Last Seen, there are several other Australian productions worth watching. For example, Make That Movie has received positive reviews, with critics highlighting its comedic value and the talent of its lead performer.
Sam Campbell, an Australian comedian based in the UK, has gained recognition for his work on panel shows and his performances on the UK version of Taskmaster. He was also runner-up in this year’s LOL: Last One Laughing UK and has won multiple awards for his stand-up comedy.
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