Australia has been quietly building a reputation for producing high-quality crime fiction that rivals the best from around the globe. The crime genre accounted for about 3% of film titles produced in the country between 2008/09 to 2022/23. From sun-drenched coastal towns to gritty urban landscapes, Australian crime stories offer a unique blend of stunning scenery, complex characters, and social commentary that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. (1)
Australian crime shows and movies have something for everyone whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or simply looking for something new to binge-watch. But what are the best ones from this bunch? From unforgettable characters to the most twisted stories, read on before taking your pick.
Bite Club
The opening scene of Bite Club heart-poundingly shows us what the two detectives have gone through. They barely survive a devastating shark attack that leaves them scarred physically and emotionally. Coming back to duty, they run into a series of suspicious deaths somehow connected to their brush with mortality.
The two detectives are driven by a relentless pursuit of the truth. This opens up the show’s unique premise, blending elements of police procedural with the psychological aftermath of trauma. The gritty realism of the shark attack scenes and the raw emotionality of the characters’ journeys make for a compelling viewing experience.
The investigation itself is very twisted, filled with unexpected turns that will keep you guessing until the final minute. Ash Ricardo and Dominic Monaghan deliver powerhouse performances as the two detectives, capturing the complex emotions of survivors grappling with PTSD while facing a new wave of danger.
Can’t wait to watch this series and many other exciting ones? You can go ahead and check out this list of Australian detective series for that stunning HD experience.
Scrublands
The seemingly peaceful town of Riversend experiences a devastating mass shooting. This leads to journalist Martin Scarsden coming and investigating the killings a year after they happened. What he finds, however, is far more sinister than he could have imagined. The idyllic facade of Riversend crumbles as Martin uncovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and simmering tensions that the community has been facing. (2)
The oppressive heat of the Australian outback mirrors the stifling atmosphere of suspicion and unease that permeates the town. Martin becomes immersed in the Riversend’s inhabitants’ personal dramas as he continues with his investigations into their lives. This leads him to uncovering buried truths.
The Dry
The Dry follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk as he returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke.
Luke is suspected of murdering his wife and child before taking his own life, but Aaron is plagued by doubts that there’s more to the story. As he researches into the past, old wounds are reopened, and long-buried secrets threaten to surface.
The film weaves together two timelines, the present investigation and flashbacks to Aaron’s teenage years, when a tragic event shook the town and left a lasting mark on everyone involved. Eric Bana delivers a compelling performance as Aaron, a man haunted by his past and struggling to uncover the truth in a community consumed by grief and suspicion.
The Dry displays guilt, memory, and the devastating impact of drought on a small town, showcasing the raw beauty and harsh realities of rural Australia. This plot has been getting rave reviews, so it’s worth adding to your Australian crime movies to-watch list.
The Combination
The Combination is a raw and unflinching portrayal of life in Sydney’s Western suburbs. The movie showcases the complexities of cultural identity, family ties, and the struggle for acceptance.
John, a young Lebanese-Australian man, is released from prison with a determination to turn his life around and shield his younger brother from the criminal underworld that ensnared him. However, as he grapples with the challenges of reintegrating into society and repairing fractured relationships, his brother is drawn deeper into the dangerous world of gangs and violence.
Tensions between different cultural communities. Pressures of assimilation. The allure of crime for marginalized youth. If these themes intrigue you, this one’s your film. Moreover, it offers a nuanced perspective on the social issues facing immigrant communities in Australia. It’s a story of redemption, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family, set against the backdrop of a divided society struggling to find a common ground.
Informer 3838
Based on the true story of Nicola Gobbo, a lawyer-turned-police informant who became entangled in Melbourne’s gangland wars. In her version of the story, Gobbo says her information led to the arrest of over 386 people and the seizure of over AUD $60 million. This sets up the stage of Informer 3838, which is a gripping tale of betrayal, manipulation, and the high cost of justice. (3)
This miniseries explores the complex ethical dilemmas faced by Gobbo as she navigates a dangerous world of criminals and law enforcement. The show’s plot and morally corrupt characters will leave you questioning the very nature of loyalty and truth.
Conclusion
Australian crime dramas offer a unique perspective on the genre. They combine compelling characters and thought-provoking themes that keep followers glued to the screen. So, which of these series and movies do you want to start with? Whatever it is you choose, some spine-tingling crime experience awaits you!
References:
- AUSTRALIAN THEATRICAL FEATURE PRODUCTION
GENRES PRODUCED: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/fact-finders/production-trends/australian-features/genres - Scrublands: release date, cast, plot, trailer, episode guide and all about the Australian thriller series: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/scrublands-cast-plot-everything-know-100833648.html#:~:text=A%20year%20after,keen%20to%20talk
- The harder they fall: Nicola Gobbo, from gangland lawyer to family outcast: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-harder-they-fall-nicola-gobbo-from-gangland-lawyer-to-family-outcast-20190301-p5113d.html