I am not a fan of this writer, every time I start to read his books, I only get a third through. However it was a great production by the ABC and full credit to cast crew and writers. Loved the shots in the pool, and in particular Danny's mother who gave a wonderful and truly authentic portrayal of the European mum committed to family and life of her children. I'm not sure how much the miniseries deviates from book, but if end meaning is the same, then it was great. Not everyone is into sport, or can be a winner, and when a desire, passion, or dream ceases, it's not hopeless, but an opportunity to look at something else in life. I only hope more people will see that message. There's already too much loss of hope in the hearts of many in this world.
12 Reviews
Empathetically Irresistible
jacobstapleton31 December 2016
Being a swimmer myself (in the good ol' days) I was immediately attracted to this series' narrative. Swimming is one of the most competitive sports you can compete in, and one of the most gruelling to dedicate your life to. And all I can say is, I loved it!
I simply devoured this series. It is story telling genius in how it moves and what is beneath it but at the same time it is brutal and honest and. It just is. This follow up to The Slap, which could easily be called The Splash, in that it is about swimming, is an epic journey of a kid called Danny Kelly who gets inserted into a fancy college due to his incredible talents in the pond. But despite his excellent coach and natural talent for winning, Danny rubs up against his more entitled peers which soon awakens a raw anger in him that may or may not lead to a sort of destruction, at the height of his reign. This story is about winning, about class, about anger, and about Australia. An Australia that hinges it's identity on glory above all, but who has no real connection to life beneath its surface.
I am left sat on this sofa, remembering my old swimming days, what it felt like to dive into that blue, chlorinated volume. What it felt like to race. What it felt like to win.
It's new year's eve right now and I might have had a few beers, but so what. This series has prescribed me 'hope'.
See you at the Olympics guys!
I simply devoured this series. It is story telling genius in how it moves and what is beneath it but at the same time it is brutal and honest and. It just is. This follow up to The Slap, which could easily be called The Splash, in that it is about swimming, is an epic journey of a kid called Danny Kelly who gets inserted into a fancy college due to his incredible talents in the pond. But despite his excellent coach and natural talent for winning, Danny rubs up against his more entitled peers which soon awakens a raw anger in him that may or may not lead to a sort of destruction, at the height of his reign. This story is about winning, about class, about anger, and about Australia. An Australia that hinges it's identity on glory above all, but who has no real connection to life beneath its surface.
I am left sat on this sofa, remembering my old swimming days, what it felt like to dive into that blue, chlorinated volume. What it felt like to race. What it felt like to win.
It's new year's eve right now and I might have had a few beers, but so what. This series has prescribed me 'hope'.
See you at the Olympics guys!
Good but sad
moishe-422633 June 2021
Overall the series is quite good. I have to admit I haven't read the book, however I would have liked to know more about Martin Taylor's character.
My only problem is that, the final episodes were too sad, and the plot a bit depressing, as were the characters. I know it's based on a book, but I would have liked that Danny would have fulfilled his dream, and that the relationship between Danny and Martin wouldn't have ended badly.
I also would have liked the timeline between all the episodes not to have moved so fast, and more episodes, so that more drama, romance etc. Could have been developed. However, I think this series is amazing, as it makes you reflect and think, and I think it can teach you a lot of things.
On the other hand the production is very good, and the plot interesting, the best actress was Danny's mother, Victoria Haralabidou, she makes you get into the story and her role makes it perfect.
I hope they make a second season, or another series similar to this one.
My only problem is that, the final episodes were too sad, and the plot a bit depressing, as were the characters. I know it's based on a book, but I would have liked that Danny would have fulfilled his dream, and that the relationship between Danny and Martin wouldn't have ended badly.
I also would have liked the timeline between all the episodes not to have moved so fast, and more episodes, so that more drama, romance etc. Could have been developed. However, I think this series is amazing, as it makes you reflect and think, and I think it can teach you a lot of things.
On the other hand the production is very good, and the plot interesting, the best actress was Danny's mother, Victoria Haralabidou, she makes you get into the story and her role makes it perfect.
I hope they make a second season, or another series similar to this one.
Brilliant! Australian television at its best.
Matthew-WH11 July 2016
10 out of 10 may seem like quite a high rating but i thoroughly enjoyed the 4 part miniseries and while not perfect, nothing is, i'm rating it 10 because i was so engrossed the whole time. ABC featured all four episodes to stream on Iview and after watching the first episode on live TV, i could not wait a whole week for a second serve.
I did start reading the book and gave up a few chapters in. While it was interesting and did at one point hook me in, i found the author who is brilliant, Christos Tsiolkas, is a strong story teller through the amount of detail he uses to set up plots, characters and scenes. I found the book at times be quite indulgent and while important in setting the scene, i wanted the book to progress at a faster pace. The miniseries however i found very rewarding as for time reasons, it was condensed and the narrative moved quickly which i liked. While i did not connect with the book, i appreciate it and could see how it is such a compelling read. Seeing it on the screen, i really respect the book for painting such a complex story of Danny, who is such a complex character.
Elias Anton as Danny and Ben Kindon as Martin Taylor did such a superb job of bringing their characters to life. It was compelling to watch, they had major chemistry on screen which added to the direction of the storyline. Rachel Griffiths was outstanding as well, she nailed the cold and privileged mother. Matt Nable as Frank Torma though was a force, he gave a truly outstanding performance. A bare minimum Logie nomination for most outstanding actor, if not the win because he was just mesmerising. Playing a coach, you felt obliged to listen to him, like you were his student. This TV series really does deserve several nods in all categories at the Logies next year and AFI awards.
I have to admit, i've been slack to acknowledge the ABC as suppliers of brilliant Australian drama, the only shows i watch on the ABC are Please Like Me and Dance Academy (back in the day) but i am certainly paying attention now. They are such wonderful contributors to Australian television and i'm going to make sure i am aware of all future TV projects because i would have felt very saddened had i not been aware of this television series. Support local production! Barracuda is a shining example of the talent in our industry. Wonderful story writing, talented actors, beautiful cinematography. Really spot on. Well done to all involved! A true feat.
I did start reading the book and gave up a few chapters in. While it was interesting and did at one point hook me in, i found the author who is brilliant, Christos Tsiolkas, is a strong story teller through the amount of detail he uses to set up plots, characters and scenes. I found the book at times be quite indulgent and while important in setting the scene, i wanted the book to progress at a faster pace. The miniseries however i found very rewarding as for time reasons, it was condensed and the narrative moved quickly which i liked. While i did not connect with the book, i appreciate it and could see how it is such a compelling read. Seeing it on the screen, i really respect the book for painting such a complex story of Danny, who is such a complex character.
Elias Anton as Danny and Ben Kindon as Martin Taylor did such a superb job of bringing their characters to life. It was compelling to watch, they had major chemistry on screen which added to the direction of the storyline. Rachel Griffiths was outstanding as well, she nailed the cold and privileged mother. Matt Nable as Frank Torma though was a force, he gave a truly outstanding performance. A bare minimum Logie nomination for most outstanding actor, if not the win because he was just mesmerising. Playing a coach, you felt obliged to listen to him, like you were his student. This TV series really does deserve several nods in all categories at the Logies next year and AFI awards.
I have to admit, i've been slack to acknowledge the ABC as suppliers of brilliant Australian drama, the only shows i watch on the ABC are Please Like Me and Dance Academy (back in the day) but i am certainly paying attention now. They are such wonderful contributors to Australian television and i'm going to make sure i am aware of all future TV projects because i would have felt very saddened had i not been aware of this television series. Support local production! Barracuda is a shining example of the talent in our industry. Wonderful story writing, talented actors, beautiful cinematography. Really spot on. Well done to all involved! A true feat.
One of the best series i watched in a long time,
dramani-2537819 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It was a great television show. kept me glued to the edge of my seat for all 4 episodes. I haven't watched many Australian shows before but I am glad i stumbled upon this one. family dynamic was great between Danny and his family and director didn't hold back when it came to expressing despair for Dannys character. I wish in the end if Martin had forgiven Danny or been by his side as Martin knew that he was partly responsible for Dannys defeat at the championships.
I didn't know any of the actors from before but after watching this show I must say I am a big fan, all of them did a great job.I just wish it was a longer show with more episodes to watch i was so attached to the characters that i wished it never ended. I will be looking out for more Australian shows like this one.
I didn't know any of the actors from before but after watching this show I must say I am a big fan, all of them did a great job.I just wish it was a longer show with more episodes to watch i was so attached to the characters that i wished it never ended. I will be looking out for more Australian shows like this one.
Boy life
thesensinglife11 January 2017
What a Greek classic this is. As with others here I'm so glad to catch this series currently on ABC iView after dodging it previously. Maybe I was ready for it now because it's relevant and revelatory of what happens to young men finding their feet in a tough world. In this case, the world of elite sports. Admit I rushed to find out who this Matt Nable is and what else he's done. Totally surprised to find he's an Aussie and not Hungarian! How convincing he is, along with all the others in the cast. Barracuda's an attentive study in clashes and polarities, how you can make choices: to be aggressive, hungry, angry vs entitled, confident, moneyed and weak, and any combination of those. The structure is very much classical Greek theatre with Emma (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) in the role of commentator (Greek chorus) to Danny (and us) of her family.
Good treatment of the press mediating life into trash (especially if you watched Frontline TV series). Everything counted for something - even Torma's house. Great script and characterisations. Loved Theo and loved the motor bike guy ("I'm not a spastic!!"). Thought Rachel Griffiths good in the part of not being able to say much while her life spins away from her dreams. And Helen Morse the tiny, aged controller watching all of them vying for power and favour. In support of the focus on beautiful masculinity, an article somewhere described Elias Anton's dedication to building his physique for the role, so I hope people don't assume it's about beauty for voyeurism. Athletes are the gods of Olympus basically, physically and in the dramas they play out among themselves, beyond the rest of us. My heart goes out to reviewer Jacob James Stapleton from London who knows what it's like to live this life like a comet – a gift with a sting in its tail.
Some reviews here seem to miss the biggest thing in the frame – it's easy when it's so big we can't see it. The Pool, the arena. It's a beast, and as one said, what's going on above it, in it and below it. Frank Torma the water whisperer, kindly shares with us his wisdom and knowledge of this beast. And, much like Cassandra really, the key figures seem deaf to his warnings.
Good treatment of the press mediating life into trash (especially if you watched Frontline TV series). Everything counted for something - even Torma's house. Great script and characterisations. Loved Theo and loved the motor bike guy ("I'm not a spastic!!"). Thought Rachel Griffiths good in the part of not being able to say much while her life spins away from her dreams. And Helen Morse the tiny, aged controller watching all of them vying for power and favour. In support of the focus on beautiful masculinity, an article somewhere described Elias Anton's dedication to building his physique for the role, so I hope people don't assume it's about beauty for voyeurism. Athletes are the gods of Olympus basically, physically and in the dramas they play out among themselves, beyond the rest of us. My heart goes out to reviewer Jacob James Stapleton from London who knows what it's like to live this life like a comet – a gift with a sting in its tail.
Some reviews here seem to miss the biggest thing in the frame – it's easy when it's so big we can't see it. The Pool, the arena. It's a beast, and as one said, what's going on above it, in it and below it. Frank Torma the water whisperer, kindly shares with us his wisdom and knowledge of this beast. And, much like Cassandra really, the key figures seem deaf to his warnings.
A brilliant series
graham-harvey13 October 2020
This mini series covers two topics so important to Australia: acceptance of migrants & obsession with winning.
The acting is brilliant as we identify so well with a brilliant swimmer who has been given a scholarship to train at a school where white upper middle class privilege rules.
The challenges faced by the main character are so well told. We really get a sense of the devastation that winning or not winning, can hold in the world of competitive sport.
There are other issues explored including sexuality & the violence.
This is a brilliant series, exploring topics that Australia and other nations need to explore & resolve on a personal, educational & leadership level.
To accept others & value all people.
impressive
Kirpianuscus4 January 2021
I do not know the book. But I admire the great acting and the fair construction of a parable about life and its fundamental meanings. It is not a swimming story. Or one about succes. It represents only a precise portrait of an age, a family, few clashes, succes and apparent fall as necessary wake up. A serie about the reality . Impressive for nuanced work of actors, for cultural references, for the courage and inspiration to give a honest image of ambition, triumph and the death of the hill in the most decent terms. Sure, for me, Elias Anton, Matt Nable and Victoria Haralabidou are the authentical stars. But each scene gives more than you expect in fair and powerful and clear manner becomind, in some measure, a mirror reflection or a precious lesson about life purpose.
Very average
mailes2217 July 2016
On the plus side - good story and some good acting by most supporting cast members. Great underwater swimming shots. Matt Nable plays the school swimming coach and he's very good and anchors the series.
On the negative side - the preview 'shorts' at the end of Episode 1 basically spoiled the entire plot of the remaining 3 episodes. Hardly worth watching the remaining episodes because the big dramatic twist in the plot was revealed at the end of Episode 1 in the preview. The editors who decided that would be a good idea should get a kick up the rear end for that decision. The 2 young lead actors have obviously been cast for their athletic body shape and their ages, but their acting isn't great. One of the weakest actors in this mini series is Rachel Griffiths - which is ironic given that she's the only really internationally known actor in the cast. Every time she's in a scene, you are fully aware that she is 'acting' her lines, and not very well at that.
This series is very disappointing mainly in the acting department. It's annoying because Australia can produce some good TV series and movies, and plenty of our soapie stars are making names for themselves in the US market. So the talent is here.
On the negative side - the preview 'shorts' at the end of Episode 1 basically spoiled the entire plot of the remaining 3 episodes. Hardly worth watching the remaining episodes because the big dramatic twist in the plot was revealed at the end of Episode 1 in the preview. The editors who decided that would be a good idea should get a kick up the rear end for that decision. The 2 young lead actors have obviously been cast for their athletic body shape and their ages, but their acting isn't great. One of the weakest actors in this mini series is Rachel Griffiths - which is ironic given that she's the only really internationally known actor in the cast. Every time she's in a scene, you are fully aware that she is 'acting' her lines, and not very well at that.
This series is very disappointing mainly in the acting department. It's annoying because Australia can produce some good TV series and movies, and plenty of our soapie stars are making names for themselves in the US market. So the talent is here.
Don't bother
poldark-527 January 2019
Wet
ozjosh0318 July 2016
On the strength of the first two episodes of Barracuda, Christos Tsiolkas has failed dismally to recreate the elements that made The Slap the kind of drama that had everybody talking. There is no equivalent social issue. There are no similarly recognisable suburban archetypes. And the plotting falls well short of compelling. The first episode barely lifts itself above the level of Neighbours or Home & Away. Indeed, they've both done similar stories, and done them just as well. Much of the dialogue is also risible ("I've always admired the working class" says Helen Morse, as Tsiolkos's idea of a haughty society matron.) And while the director delivers pretty pictures of athletic bodies and swimming races, the performances he gets from his cast are mostly sub-standard. Rachel Griffiths struggles to make anything of a fatally under-written character. And our would-be hero is played by an actor with eyebrows that recall the Thunderbirds marionettes, except that they don't move - which leaves him with precisely two expressions: wet and dry. The stars are mostly for the actors' abs.
Cliché with weak ending
unhexunium16124 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Cliché list:
-new boy at school gets bullied by classmates
-likes another boy but ends up hooking up with his sister instead
-gets drunk and declares his love for the other boy in public
-ends up in court after hitting that same guy
-dramatically stops swimming after one loss (and gets depressed and grows a beard, of course, you gotta have that beard!)
-exotic swimming coach which becomes his spiritual life guide savior
-random meltdown pseudo suicide attempt?
-cheap "self realization and maturing" ending
Filled with weird "that guy is probably into guys too" characters that don't evolve into anything (family uncle, guy at the rehab centre, etc).
Victoria Haralabidou acting was on point though. 10/10 for her, the true star of this miniseries.
Camera and production is quite good.
Overall though, a waste of time.
-cheap "self realization and maturing" ending
Filled with weird "that guy is probably into guys too" characters that don't evolve into anything (family uncle, guy at the rehab centre, etc).
Victoria Haralabidou acting was on point though. 10/10 for her, the true star of this miniseries.
Camera and production is quite good.
Overall though, a waste of time.
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