Glad to see a Sci-Fi show that is not afraid of science or exploring moral dilemmas. I like all the little subtle references to the various consequences of climate change.
This is intelligent viewing although not for those who like constant action.
51 Reviews
Very watchable
lsheppo7 January 2020
Obviously very timely subject matter and more so if you're an Aussie. Performances are pretty solid and script, thank god, isn't trite like The Gloaming. It could be set anywhere in the world and doesn't try to whip in cliched Australian themes and language. I found a few moments gripping and at least one "challenge you not to cry if you're feeling hormonal" scene. Overall - very good.
Slow Burner.
midjet15 January 2020
My first ever review.
As with any 8 plus episode storyline it gives you time to get to know the charachters but also find yourself screaming out why do that or that wouldn't happen so as with many shows you have to sometimes suspend belief etc.to try and enjoy the show.
It's plot is somewhat akin to the religious setting of the dystopian world in A Handmaids Tale, but in this tale it's more of an environmentally sensitive, pharmatech, political storyline but with similar outcomes , lives ruined, rich getting richer or not caring about those less fortunate than themselves, the main protagonist getting all and sundry to do their bidding without a care for the impact it may have on their lives and the odd twist you may not have seen coming.
When all is said and done it won't be everyone's cup of tea but in our house we hope that they bring out a second series to bring the story line to a conclusion, no doubt if they do they will turn everything on it's head.
Solid cast, not much more I can say. Nice to see Rupert Penry Jones again, haven't seen him since Spooks.
I suppose I should also give a nod to all our Antipodean cousins as this story is probably too close for comfort at this particular point in time. Wishing you all of our thoughts and prayers at thsi particularly challenging time.
IMPRESSED 6.5/10
heno-457626 January 2020
This is not a Sci-Fi series it's a drama series that is set in the near future, that has elements of Science Fiction only.Acting is on point (with exceptions) as the kids in the tv series sometimes disappoint or over act.The story line is not major yet is very intriguing.I was pleasantly surprised with the whole series.A bit of action in the series would of made it more entertaining and enjoyable as there were times where was boring.I am disappointed with channel 9 / Screen Australia as there was no indigenous people in the TV Series yet is an expensive Australian show (So why use islanders in the show rather then our traditional people).
The season was watchable
dkubehansi4 January 2020
I am not to keen on Australian mini series but out of the blue comes some that you want to wait for season two. The world can be a dark place and people just want to win for themselves at any cost and in the end some of those people loose. If season two does come out I know where I would be if the world gets desparate.
Eadie needs to face up and stop lying to everyone
rlinsdell4 January 2020
This story got slower and slower as it went from episode to episode
What started as a - this is an interesting near future considering the bushfires we are going through story - to torture
And oh so painfully slow zzzzz
Embarrassingly Inept
amelia-269-86280628 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This had the pedigree to be good - creator, budget, casting...but what happened?
An almost total lack of credibility of character, setting and story line as exemplified by the following highlights..
A completely contrived main plot with different sub plots each episode, each designed to not so subtly message the audience.
A narcissistic self important sentimentalism with - for example - unlikely heroism and selflessness from all the main characters.
Magical scientific breakthroughs and miracle like cures.
An apparently over stressed medical system where one doctor can spend days helping one patient.
A category 6 super storm that never happens and the consequences of which appear to be one fallen tree.
Padding out its lack of any real substance with extended soundtrack sequences, completely unrealistic, gratuitous and repetitious scenes of injections, it doesn't seem to have any courage of its convictions and ends up being an insipid mess.
An almost total lack of credibility of character, setting and story line as exemplified by the following highlights..
A completely contrived main plot with different sub plots each episode, each designed to not so subtly message the audience.
A narcissistic self important sentimentalism with - for example - unlikely heroism and selflessness from all the main characters.
Magical scientific breakthroughs and miracle like cures.
An apparently over stressed medical system where one doctor can spend days helping one patient.
A category 6 super storm that never happens and the consequences of which appear to be one fallen tree.
Padding out its lack of any real substance with extended soundtrack sequences, completely unrealistic, gratuitous and repetitious scenes of injections, it doesn't seem to have any courage of its convictions and ends up being an insipid mess.
Excellent Australian drama predicting Australian life post 2020 apocalyptic summer.
geeztell10 January 2020
If you like a slow burn (no insensitive pun intended) and want to look at what Australia might look like in the future after our scorching 2020 apocalyptic summer, then this is for you. Though this isn't about bushfires specifically, this is a post climate change driven saga that is pretty realistic - in a pretty scary way. Excellent character driven narrative around families, relationships, parenting, financial and racial divides, corruption, climate change, climate refugees, PTSD and traumas from just being alive as its all going down. One might think the writers had a crystal ball - it's pretty spot on and so well timed given that our entire continent is burning and that climate change is no longer some abstract futuristic theory, but something we are now living through, even in our cities. An enjoyable watch, some might find boring, possibly all the people that have reviewed this show thinking it's Lisa Macwhatsherface in the lead role (spoiler: it's not, and yes that British accent is real) - but this show really delivers in the last few episodes in season one. It's in your face about many subjects we like to shun - if you are after a non thought provoking, non challenging easy view, go watch something else, this is not for you. Touching a lot on the effects the changing climate has on young people and their narratives and responses around that, I found this helpful as a parent. Great all round production, futuristic but realistic visual, A1 cast portraying depth-full honest and challenging characters. If you liked Aussie drama Love my way, you will like this. A lot.
Apocalyptic
mainspring-0369622 March 2020
Commonly Boring
rizbankyz26 September 2020
A lot better than I expected
vickiphillips-478984 January 2020
Yes the storyline was full of gaps and contradictions, and the acting tended toward the overly dramatic at most times. But it was overall enjoyable to watch. This series is not so much about the 'future' as it is about our current times and it was satisfying to see the climate debate played out on the screen. The idea of following a character for 8 episodes while she is trying to have a baby didn't sound like something I'd enjoy but put into context it's about the debate on whether we should even be bringing children into the world, given the impact they will have on the environment and how our current planetary degradation is affecting them mentally. I wouldn't say the writers were entirely fearless in their views but they did well. I'd watch a second season.
Good series from Australia
pegaoneal16 April 2021
This is a bit slow moving and I am not sure what the heroine (Joanna Foggart) is all about except "I want what I want whenever". Need more backstory on her since she didn't make me care that much about her. My favorite character in the series is "Shay". Really fine acting making the character empathetic, sympathetic and likable. - There was a great chance here to really delve into the impacts of climate, income inequality, and racism but it never really happened. It was an interesting story but could have been so much more.
Mostly terrible.
phaselis1 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm giving it 3 stars for the the cinematography and direction, along with a few quality futuristic effects. That's where it ends.
One major nonsensical plot line: A woman who is taking immunosuppressants decides it's a good time to volunteer at a receiving centre and be up close and personal evaluating the questionable health of refugees. Yeah, that's believable.
Casting: Why two Brits in leading roles? No backstory supported it, and they could only summon one line in an Aussie accent.
Writing: How many unnecessary and random subplots can a show have? The writing is terrible and I felt disengaged throughout. Several times, I felt myself asking.... what is this show really about?
One major nonsensical plot line: A woman who is taking immunosuppressants decides it's a good time to volunteer at a receiving centre and be up close and personal evaluating the questionable health of refugees. Yeah, that's believable.
Casting: Why two Brits in leading roles? No backstory supported it, and they could only summon one line in an Aussie accent.
Writing: How many unnecessary and random subplots can a show have? The writing is terrible and I felt disengaged throughout. Several times, I felt myself asking.... what is this show really about?
Boring!
the_nephilim7125 November 2020
Top Notch Aussies!
xarabombshellhairdesign30 December 2019
Boring 😴
paulp-2954926 December 2019
This show could not hold my interest at all - to me at least, it was too slow, the script had a cardboard/two-dimensional feel to it - which didn't help the very ordinary acting - and I didn't even like the all-too-frequent background music. Not sure how it's scoring over 7 at present.
Top-notch sophisticated Australian drama
eelen-seth28 December 2019
Set in a very familiar future, the Stan Original Series The Commons is a gripping character-driven relationship drama and a story about motherhood as the ultimate act of faith in humanity. If it wasn't for the futuristic technicalities, this somewhat too frighteningly realistic series could take place in today's Sydney, going through climate change.
Taking us into a technologically advanced world where every household is still trying to adapt and survive in an ecologically challenging environment, is Eadie (Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt). This brain doctor is desperately trying to become a mother, but with time running out for her, she reaches for the most desperate ways to get pregnant. Brave as she is, she'll come face-to-face with border patrol and those that don't have legal papers to stay in a capitalist country, and a new incurable disease, transmitted by the tiniest bugs.
Written and created by AACTA Award-winner Shelley Birse (The Code), The Commons is refreshing and exceptionally relevant, tackling today's ecological climate, never overlooking human nature and the great lengths we go to for any sort of compassionate connection. Birse knows what will linger with today's tv-watching crowd and mixes it with authentic brave drama that might be all too familiar for some of us. Slowly but surely, the story develops into a more character-focused family drama with the climatic danger from the first two episodes lurking in the background. The tonal consistency is there, although those that hope for more of what gets presented in the earlier episodes, might come out of this somewhat disappointed.
The focus lies mostly with Froggatt's character Eadie, who is struggling with her age and the difficulties that come with it. Her husband (played by Safe Haven's David Lyons) is a scientist running-out-of-time to find a cure, to an ever-expanding epidemic of a by-bug-transferrable disease that's slowly killing communities. Right by his side is good friend and co-worker Shay (played by Ryan Corr). Froggatt, well known for her role as maid Anna Bates in Downton Abbey, gives one of the finest dramatic performances of her career. She seems confident in her role and gives it her all. Co-star Corr, is turning out to be more than just a rising star, clearly establishing himself as a well-rounded talented actor, surprising us here with a more nuanced side we rarely see of him. Damon Herriman plays a character with PTSD, who eventually has an important part to play in the first season's final episode.
The Commons' story gets supported by a wonderful score, and Earle Dresner's (Glitch) tremendous cinematography captures Sydney in a futuristic style. Many shots with what is clearly edited with some incredible special effects, look as realistic as the real bushfires raging across Australia at the moment. This series couldn't have come at a better time - reminding us of the daily struggle we face with changing climates, capitalist governments and the challenges of keeping humanity strong within our own communities. The Commons is a new breed of top-notch Australian drama for the more sophisticated viewer.
Originally published on intoscreens
Taking us into a technologically advanced world where every household is still trying to adapt and survive in an ecologically challenging environment, is Eadie (Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt). This brain doctor is desperately trying to become a mother, but with time running out for her, she reaches for the most desperate ways to get pregnant. Brave as she is, she'll come face-to-face with border patrol and those that don't have legal papers to stay in a capitalist country, and a new incurable disease, transmitted by the tiniest bugs.
Written and created by AACTA Award-winner Shelley Birse (The Code), The Commons is refreshing and exceptionally relevant, tackling today's ecological climate, never overlooking human nature and the great lengths we go to for any sort of compassionate connection. Birse knows what will linger with today's tv-watching crowd and mixes it with authentic brave drama that might be all too familiar for some of us. Slowly but surely, the story develops into a more character-focused family drama with the climatic danger from the first two episodes lurking in the background. The tonal consistency is there, although those that hope for more of what gets presented in the earlier episodes, might come out of this somewhat disappointed.
The focus lies mostly with Froggatt's character Eadie, who is struggling with her age and the difficulties that come with it. Her husband (played by Safe Haven's David Lyons) is a scientist running-out-of-time to find a cure, to an ever-expanding epidemic of a by-bug-transferrable disease that's slowly killing communities. Right by his side is good friend and co-worker Shay (played by Ryan Corr). Froggatt, well known for her role as maid Anna Bates in Downton Abbey, gives one of the finest dramatic performances of her career. She seems confident in her role and gives it her all. Co-star Corr, is turning out to be more than just a rising star, clearly establishing himself as a well-rounded talented actor, surprising us here with a more nuanced side we rarely see of him. Damon Herriman plays a character with PTSD, who eventually has an important part to play in the first season's final episode.
The Commons' story gets supported by a wonderful score, and Earle Dresner's (Glitch) tremendous cinematography captures Sydney in a futuristic style. Many shots with what is clearly edited with some incredible special effects, look as realistic as the real bushfires raging across Australia at the moment. This series couldn't have come at a better time - reminding us of the daily struggle we face with changing climates, capitalist governments and the challenges of keeping humanity strong within our own communities. The Commons is a new breed of top-notch Australian drama for the more sophisticated viewer.
Originally published on intoscreens
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!
qhka22 February 2022
Loved it!
moorerelationships27 December 2019
Aussie media gets an unfair go
adrickmcleod-2867129 December 2019
Excellent series
johnschubert-9385427 January 2021
Apparently those who thought this was boring only like films and series with little substance. There are no car chases, nudity, graphic sex, severe violence or any other insipid story lines. There is a lot of emotion with world that faces the effects of climate change, authoritarianism, capitalistic greed and it's own version of a pandemic. Couple that with the stress of a professional woman who has been unable to conceive and who witnesses first hand the result of those facing a future without hope. For those who find this boring I suggest you return to watching the mindless drivel you prefer.
It's okay...
silver_moonstar3 January 2020
Some of the reviews here are confusing the lead actress Joanne Froggatt, British, of Downton Abbey fame with Australian actress Lisa McCune of Blue Heelers fame!
It's okay, I found it a bit slow to get into it first and then by the end it felt rushed and that they hadn't concluded the story properly which obviously leads into a second season you would assume.
Most of the acting was okay, I enjoyed the videography and some of the futuristic tech aspects.
It's great that Stan is providing funding for Australian projects.
It's okay, I found it a bit slow to get into it first and then by the end it felt rushed and that they hadn't concluded the story properly which obviously leads into a second season you would assume.
Most of the acting was okay, I enjoyed the videography and some of the futuristic tech aspects.
It's great that Stan is providing funding for Australian projects.
Not worth it
tlarraya8 May 2021
Amazing!!
rwturner-651107 January 2020
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