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Tomorrow, When the War Began

A teen adventure turns dark when an invasion comes to town, in ABC3's new drama series.

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It was only 6 years ago that Tomorrow, When the War Began, based on the best-selling John Marsden novel, was dramatised as a feature film with Catlin Stacey, Lincoln Lewis and Phoebe Tonkin.

So it’s a curious choice to move so soon as an ABC3 series, but perhaps presumably 16 year olds were too young to have seen the feature which did good business in Australia, but not overseas.

Pleasingly, the ensemble cast of this 6 part series by Ambience Entertainment look less pin-up and more boy / girl next door. Notably, it also features actors of Indigenous and Asian heritage.

I have neither read the book nor seen the previous feature, so regretfully I can’t make many other comparisons. But the first episode appears to stick closely to the novel’s premise of teens taking a bush trip who later learn that their country town has been invaded by an unknown international force.

The key protagonist is Ellie Linton (Molly Daniels) who invites best friend Corrie (Madeleine Madden) for a weekend hike into “Hell,” a remote nearby bushland to celebrate the end of high school (it’s more eco-friendly than the Gold Coast, I guess). Along for the ride are Corrie’s boyfriend Kevin (Andrew Creer), budding musician Lee (Jon Prasida), aspiring social worker Robyn (Fantine Banulski), newbie Fi (Madeleine Clunies-Ross) and group jokester Homer (Narek Arman).

It’s something of a teen utopia in the oddly-named “Hell,” striking in its bush canopy and dramatic views. Away from the toils of civilisation the group bonds, parties, dances, toasts marshmallows, gets adventurous with a zipline, lights fireworks and even bombards one another with coloured powder. But Ellie will also learn Corrie may have other plans than a promised gap-year with her best friend.

“Hell” may also be in a hell of a flight-path with a cluster of high-speed jets randomly racing above. As they will discover upon their return, their presence is far more ominous….

When they arrive back home, houses are empty, families are gone and armed troops have rounded up the locals into a holding pen at the nearby showgrounds.

“I think we might be at war,” fears Lee, before action scenes ensue. The series quickly marks itself as the “teens against the world” premise of Marsden’s books.

Director Brendan Maher brings a high sense of visual to this episode by writer Blake Ayshford, which will presumably aid international sales. The Aussie backdrop looks alluring (including hiking scenes at Hanging Rock), and the dance music in the bush gives montages a music video language that will speak to its audience. Nearly all of the opening episode is shot as exteriors (together with Nowhere Boys, the bush on ABC3 is surely a place for change for those who survive it!).

Molly Daniels and Madeleine Madden are both strong within this ensemble, and having female teens dabble with action scenes can only be a good thing. Narek Arman and Jon Prasida also deliver confident performances. Parental roles will include Deborah Mailman, Sibylla Budd, Spencer McLaren and Alison Bell while James Stewart will, amusingly, appear later as some kind of Eurasian military “Colonel.” Hmmmm…

Which brings me to the question of the invaders arriving from across the Timor Sea.

Shielded behind balaclavas, it’s still easy to notice their non-Caucasian appearance, so one hopes this is a metaphor and commentary on xenophobia rather than reinforcing such (again I haven’t read the book). There are themes and scenes -including explosions, stunts and weapons- that suggest a level of maturity required of its audience. But this is also reflected in a later timeslot, than previous ABC3 dramas.

Tomorrow, When the War Began opens with a zest for life that is curtailed by an enemy. Rising to the challenge will be half the fun for those ready to take the ride.

Tomorrow, When the War Began airs 7:30pm Saturday on ABC3.

14 Responses

    1. I agree, thoroughly enjoyed the movie (and the books). David I recommend you to watch the movie if you have time. Look forward to the TV show, hopefully it is successful enough to be renewed and continue the story like the books.

    1. Think of this more of a reboot.

      New cast, new production crew and of course the move to TV means new format.
      So they’re going to start from the start.

  1. Excited to see this!
    I don’t recall the series ever specifying the country that invaded Australia but I remember thinking it was an Asian country geographically speaking.

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