Missing girls, seances and the supernatural: This Australian murder mystery has it all
Opening with a flashback to a teen seance in an abandoned shack that quickly spins out of control, this Australian mystery comes on strong. There are signs of possession, ominous nightmares and a nerve-jangling score. 'Let me out!' demands an unseen presence at the seance, and the show has the same desire. Playing Gracie Darling wants to take the small-town murder mystery, where the crime of a previous era seeps to the surface, and use the supernatural to bend the genre's conventions.
We should appreciate that seditious intent. Without it, this limited series could be overly familiar. The seance's convenor in 1997, 14-year-old Gracie Darling (Kristina Bogic), was never seen again, leaving her best friend, Joni Grey (Eloise Rothfield), traumatised. Cut to today and mother of two Joni (Morgana O'Reilly), now a child psychologist, is drawn to her coastal hometown, where Gracie's niece, Frankie, is now the face on missing posters. It is, as on so many other shows, happening again.
The show's creator, Miranda Nation, previously made the 2018 independent feature Undertow, and her work examines how female perception can be a source of strength and vulnerability. Once Joni starts making enquiries, at the request of local police officer Jay Rajeswaran (Rudi Dharmalingam), who was also present on the fateful 1997 night, her empathy and expertise encounter supernatural portents, not least recurring sightings of the secret symbol she and Gracie created as teenagers. Every flashback adds to the unease.
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Nation has her own take on the procedural. Joni and Jay are sidelined by barely seen homicide detectives, so their unofficial search unfolds in family visits and difficult reunions. Joni's understanding is stretched by the presence of her mother, the flinty Pattie (Harriet Walter), and her two daughters. Conversations between teenagers, including Jay's daughter Raffy (Saiesha Sundaralingam) and Joni's Mina (Chloe Brink), illuminate their parents. Suspects of various kinds dot the narrative, including the friction of Joni possibly being compromised in some way.
Director Jonathan Brough (Bay of Fires) accentuates all this without initially tipping over into pure horror. Only the first three of six episodes were provided for review, so it's unclear how Playing Gracie Darling resolves what is a pungent, occasionally blunt, set-up. Certainly, with its dark forest canopy and a sense that past crimes and otherworldly incursions are one and alike, the show taps into a lineage that spans Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Kettering Incident. 'Can you feel it?' are the very first words spoken, and the answer is a clear yes.
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Courier-Mail
12 minutes ago
- Courier-Mail
Legendary Australian film critic David Stratton dead at 85
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. Legendary film critic David Stratton has died at the age of 85. Stratton was best known to film fans for appearing alongside Margaret Pomeranz for decades on numerous movie review shows. The writer's family announced his death on Thursday afternoon, saying he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains. 'David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives,' said his family in a statement. Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton. Picture: Getty. The pair rose to fame on The Movie Show together. Picture: Supplied. 'He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grand father and admired friend. 'David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime.' Stratton's family has asked for privacy in the wake of his death, but they shared a heartwarming request with his fans as a way of paying tribute to the beloved critic. Something To Talk About At the movies with David Stratton Before he retired last year, David Stratton spent nearly six decades reviewing movies. And millions of Australians came to know and love him thanks to an on-air partnership with fellow critic Margaret Pomeranz, which turned them into household names and one of the most beloved double acts in the country. On the show today, David joins Sarrah from his home – where he is still watching one, and often two, movies each day – to discuss his latest project, a book that chronicles three pivotal decades in Australian film; his enduring friendship with Margaret; his thoughts on some of his most infamous reviews – including an initially lukewarm reaction to comedy classic The Castle, and another that landed him in hot water with Julie Andrews - and the one film he thought was so awful he walked out of the cinema. David Stratton's new book Australia At The Movies is available to purchase here. Something To Talk About is a podcast by Stellar, hosted by Editor-In-Chief Sarrah Le Marquand. Find more from Stellar via Instagram @stellarmag or pick up a copy inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), The Sunday Mail (QLD) and Sunday Mail (SA) Something To Talk About At the movies with David Stratton 00:00 41:07 '[We] invite everyone to celebrate David's remarkable life and legacy by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie of all time — Singin' In the Rain.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is among those who have paid tribute to Stratton. 'With dry humour and sharp insight, David Stratton shared his love of film with our country,' he wrote on Twitter. 'All of us who tuned in to 'At the Movies' respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on. May he rest in peace.' Stratton, along with Pomeranz, stepped down from At the Movies in 2014, an end of an era for the beloved duo after nearly three decades. The film critic retired in 2023 due to his declining health. Picture: Supplied. He retired from work in December 2023 after suffering health problems, having spent a month in hospital with a spinal fracture. 'It's been a very good innings,'' he told The Australian at the time. The beloved media personality was celebrated for his insightful critiques and deep understanding of film history, as well as his contribution to promoting Australian cinema both nationally and internationally. He was a well respected figure within the industry, serving as a jury member at various international film festivals throughout his career. The pair's on-screen chemistry became a huge part of their success. Picture: Supplied. Stratton's career in Australia began in 1963 when he first became involved in the local film industry. In 1966 he became the director of the Sydney Film Festival, and the role became the catalyst for his decision to remain Down Under for the rest of his life. Later on in his career he shared that his decision to ditch England for Australia left him with feelings of 'guilty' as it meant he was abandoning his family's tradition of working at their grocery store which had been open since the 1820s. Bizarrely, in 2014, Stratton hit headlines when it was revealed that he had been under surveillance by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation while he was director of the Sydney film festival, due to a visit he made to the USSR in the late 1960s. He received numerous awards for his contributions to film criticism and the film industry, including the Order of Australia for his services to the film industry as a critic and reviewer. Originally published as Legendary Australian film critic David Stratton dead at 85
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Renowned film critic and presenter David Stratton dies
Veteran film critic David Stratton, whose partnership with Margaret Pomeranz made him a beloved figure on Australian TV screens, has died aged 85. His family announced his death on Thursday, telling the ABC he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains. "David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives," his family said. "He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend." Stratton retired in 2023 because of ill health, after a celebrated career as a film critic, writer, educator and historian that spanned 57 years. An English migrant who arrived in Australia as "ten pound Pom" in 1963, Stratton worked for SBS from 1980 as their film consultant and introduced the SBS Cinema Classics on Sunday nights. His best known role was co-hosting the long-running SBS TV program The Movie Show with Margaret Pomeranz, from 1986 to 2004, when they moved to the ABC to co-host At the Movies with Margaret and David. They retired from the show in 2014. He wrote six books and lectured in film history at the University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education until 2023. He also served as a jury member at many prestigious international film festivals throughout his career. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Stratton as someone who had shared his love of film with the country "with dry humour and sharp insight". "All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on," he posted on social media. Stratton's family issued a special request to moviegoers, asking that they celebrate his "remarkable life and legacy" by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie, Singin' In the Rain. "David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime," his family said. Details of a public memorial service are expected to be announced soon. Veteran film critic David Stratton, whose partnership with Margaret Pomeranz made him a beloved figure on Australian TV screens, has died aged 85. His family announced his death on Thursday, telling the ABC he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains. "David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives," his family said. "He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend." Stratton retired in 2023 because of ill health, after a celebrated career as a film critic, writer, educator and historian that spanned 57 years. An English migrant who arrived in Australia as "ten pound Pom" in 1963, Stratton worked for SBS from 1980 as their film consultant and introduced the SBS Cinema Classics on Sunday nights. His best known role was co-hosting the long-running SBS TV program The Movie Show with Margaret Pomeranz, from 1986 to 2004, when they moved to the ABC to co-host At the Movies with Margaret and David. They retired from the show in 2014. He wrote six books and lectured in film history at the University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education until 2023. He also served as a jury member at many prestigious international film festivals throughout his career. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Stratton as someone who had shared his love of film with the country "with dry humour and sharp insight". "All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on," he posted on social media. Stratton's family issued a special request to moviegoers, asking that they celebrate his "remarkable life and legacy" by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie, Singin' In the Rain. "David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime," his family said. Details of a public memorial service are expected to be announced soon. Veteran film critic David Stratton, whose partnership with Margaret Pomeranz made him a beloved figure on Australian TV screens, has died aged 85. His family announced his death on Thursday, telling the ABC he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains. "David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives," his family said. "He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend." Stratton retired in 2023 because of ill health, after a celebrated career as a film critic, writer, educator and historian that spanned 57 years. An English migrant who arrived in Australia as "ten pound Pom" in 1963, Stratton worked for SBS from 1980 as their film consultant and introduced the SBS Cinema Classics on Sunday nights. His best known role was co-hosting the long-running SBS TV program The Movie Show with Margaret Pomeranz, from 1986 to 2004, when they moved to the ABC to co-host At the Movies with Margaret and David. They retired from the show in 2014. He wrote six books and lectured in film history at the University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education until 2023. He also served as a jury member at many prestigious international film festivals throughout his career. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Stratton as someone who had shared his love of film with the country "with dry humour and sharp insight". "All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on," he posted on social media. Stratton's family issued a special request to moviegoers, asking that they celebrate his "remarkable life and legacy" by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie, Singin' In the Rain. "David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime," his family said. Details of a public memorial service are expected to be announced soon. Veteran film critic David Stratton, whose partnership with Margaret Pomeranz made him a beloved figure on Australian TV screens, has died aged 85. His family announced his death on Thursday, telling the ABC he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains. "David's passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives," his family said. "He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend." Stratton retired in 2023 because of ill health, after a celebrated career as a film critic, writer, educator and historian that spanned 57 years. An English migrant who arrived in Australia as "ten pound Pom" in 1963, Stratton worked for SBS from 1980 as their film consultant and introduced the SBS Cinema Classics on Sunday nights. His best known role was co-hosting the long-running SBS TV program The Movie Show with Margaret Pomeranz, from 1986 to 2004, when they moved to the ABC to co-host At the Movies with Margaret and David. They retired from the show in 2014. He wrote six books and lectured in film history at the University of Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education until 2023. He also served as a jury member at many prestigious international film festivals throughout his career. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Stratton as someone who had shared his love of film with the country "with dry humour and sharp insight". "All of us who tuned in to At the Movies respected him for his deep knowledge and for the gentle and generous way he passed it on," he posted on social media. Stratton's family issued a special request to moviegoers, asking that they celebrate his "remarkable life and legacy" by watching their favourite movie, or David's favourite movie, Singin' In the Rain. "David's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime," his family said. Details of a public memorial service are expected to be announced soon.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Paul Kelly farewells Joe in How to Make Gravy sequel
Paul Kelly has surprised fans with a sequel to his beloved single How to Make Gravy, finally revealing what happened to Rita after Joe was sent to prison. The long-awaited follow-up track, Rita Wrote a Letter, was released on Thursday, picking up from the singer-songwriter's 1996 hit. How to Make Gravy is one of Kelly's most popular songs. It features the incarcerated Joe, who reflects on being separated from his family at Christmas time in a prisoner letter addressed to Dan. For three decades, the song has been a soundtrack staple for holiday road trips and turkey lunches. The track was voted as Australia's ninth-best song of all time in the triple j Hottest 100 Australian songs countdown, and has also been adapted into an award-winning feature film. The sequel continues the storyline from the original song, except Joe is dead and Rita has moved on with love interest, Joe's brother Dan. Kelly foreshadowed its release in a death notice for Joe published in a Melbourne newspaper on Monday, claiming he died from a "sudden misadventure". The obituary described the song's pivotal character as a beloved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank, and Dolly - all names featured in the song. It also announced an August 14 funeral to be followed by a "wake to end all wakes". The sequel is the first single in Kelly's album SEVENTY, to be released on November 7, named for his milestone birthday in January. Kelly released the single alongside a music video, starring himself and long-time friend and actress Justine Clarke as Rita. The song's release precedes one of Kelly's biggest tours to-date, kicking off in Perth on August 26, before heading to Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne, then multiple New Zealand venues. The 70-year-old has tallied multiple awards over his extensive career including the 2017 Order of Australia, along with 17 ARIAs and five APRAs. His long list of hit singles include To Her Door, From Little Things Big Things Grow and Leaps and Bounds. Paul Kelly has surprised fans with a sequel to his beloved single How to Make Gravy, finally revealing what happened to Rita after Joe was sent to prison. The long-awaited follow-up track, Rita Wrote a Letter, was released on Thursday, picking up from the singer-songwriter's 1996 hit. How to Make Gravy is one of Kelly's most popular songs. It features the incarcerated Joe, who reflects on being separated from his family at Christmas time in a prisoner letter addressed to Dan. For three decades, the song has been a soundtrack staple for holiday road trips and turkey lunches. The track was voted as Australia's ninth-best song of all time in the triple j Hottest 100 Australian songs countdown, and has also been adapted into an award-winning feature film. The sequel continues the storyline from the original song, except Joe is dead and Rita has moved on with love interest, Joe's brother Dan. Kelly foreshadowed its release in a death notice for Joe published in a Melbourne newspaper on Monday, claiming he died from a "sudden misadventure". The obituary described the song's pivotal character as a beloved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank, and Dolly - all names featured in the song. It also announced an August 14 funeral to be followed by a "wake to end all wakes". The sequel is the first single in Kelly's album SEVENTY, to be released on November 7, named for his milestone birthday in January. Kelly released the single alongside a music video, starring himself and long-time friend and actress Justine Clarke as Rita. The song's release precedes one of Kelly's biggest tours to-date, kicking off in Perth on August 26, before heading to Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne, then multiple New Zealand venues. The 70-year-old has tallied multiple awards over his extensive career including the 2017 Order of Australia, along with 17 ARIAs and five APRAs. His long list of hit singles include To Her Door, From Little Things Big Things Grow and Leaps and Bounds. Paul Kelly has surprised fans with a sequel to his beloved single How to Make Gravy, finally revealing what happened to Rita after Joe was sent to prison. The long-awaited follow-up track, Rita Wrote a Letter, was released on Thursday, picking up from the singer-songwriter's 1996 hit. How to Make Gravy is one of Kelly's most popular songs. It features the incarcerated Joe, who reflects on being separated from his family at Christmas time in a prisoner letter addressed to Dan. For three decades, the song has been a soundtrack staple for holiday road trips and turkey lunches. The track was voted as Australia's ninth-best song of all time in the triple j Hottest 100 Australian songs countdown, and has also been adapted into an award-winning feature film. The sequel continues the storyline from the original song, except Joe is dead and Rita has moved on with love interest, Joe's brother Dan. Kelly foreshadowed its release in a death notice for Joe published in a Melbourne newspaper on Monday, claiming he died from a "sudden misadventure". The obituary described the song's pivotal character as a beloved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank, and Dolly - all names featured in the song. It also announced an August 14 funeral to be followed by a "wake to end all wakes". The sequel is the first single in Kelly's album SEVENTY, to be released on November 7, named for his milestone birthday in January. Kelly released the single alongside a music video, starring himself and long-time friend and actress Justine Clarke as Rita. The song's release precedes one of Kelly's biggest tours to-date, kicking off in Perth on August 26, before heading to Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne, then multiple New Zealand venues. The 70-year-old has tallied multiple awards over his extensive career including the 2017 Order of Australia, along with 17 ARIAs and five APRAs. His long list of hit singles include To Her Door, From Little Things Big Things Grow and Leaps and Bounds. Paul Kelly has surprised fans with a sequel to his beloved single How to Make Gravy, finally revealing what happened to Rita after Joe was sent to prison. The long-awaited follow-up track, Rita Wrote a Letter, was released on Thursday, picking up from the singer-songwriter's 1996 hit. How to Make Gravy is one of Kelly's most popular songs. It features the incarcerated Joe, who reflects on being separated from his family at Christmas time in a prisoner letter addressed to Dan. For three decades, the song has been a soundtrack staple for holiday road trips and turkey lunches. The track was voted as Australia's ninth-best song of all time in the triple j Hottest 100 Australian songs countdown, and has also been adapted into an award-winning feature film. The sequel continues the storyline from the original song, except Joe is dead and Rita has moved on with love interest, Joe's brother Dan. Kelly foreshadowed its release in a death notice for Joe published in a Melbourne newspaper on Monday, claiming he died from a "sudden misadventure". The obituary described the song's pivotal character as a beloved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank, and Dolly - all names featured in the song. It also announced an August 14 funeral to be followed by a "wake to end all wakes". The sequel is the first single in Kelly's album SEVENTY, to be released on November 7, named for his milestone birthday in January. Kelly released the single alongside a music video, starring himself and long-time friend and actress Justine Clarke as Rita. The song's release precedes one of Kelly's biggest tours to-date, kicking off in Perth on August 26, before heading to Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne, then multiple New Zealand venues. The 70-year-old has tallied multiple awards over his extensive career including the 2017 Order of Australia, along with 17 ARIAs and five APRAs. His long list of hit singles include To Her Door, From Little Things Big Things Grow and Leaps and Bounds.
