ITV has just added all six episodes of crime drama, Savage River, which was first released back in Australia in 2022. So, if you're in need of a one-night crime binge, then keep reading!
The drama follows Miki Anderson (Katherine Langford) as she returns to her rural hometown after being released from prison following a manslaughter charge. However, just two days after her return, someone else is killed, with suspicion immediately falling on Miki, who protests her innocence.
An intriguing synopsis for the show reads: "When Miki Anderson returns to her hometown after ten years in prison, she's determined to finally move on with her life, but the close-knit community of Savage River is not about to let her forget the past that easily."
The Australian show has previously been compared to British crime staples like Broadchurch where nothing is what it seems; however, it appears that a second season of the show isn't yet in the offing.
What did fans make of Savage River?
Viewers were left gripped by the six-part drama, as one commented: "Got me hooked to watch the whole thing in two days after work. Good writing, story was good and kept you wondering who done it," while a second added: "Engrossing, quiet, almost Altmanesque whodunit that weaves an intricate web of criss-crossing, interconnected characters."
A third penned: "This show was well written and very well acted; stand out performances from Virginia Gay (who isn't even listed in "top cast" section despite her leading role) and Jaqueline McKenzie among many other fine performances makes this show is compelling viewing in my opinion."
© ITVMeanwhile, a fourth mused: "The screenplay plots are so so, the photography and sceneries the 'best' in the show as are various realistic/unrealistic relationships throughout. In one sentence, it's mildly recommended, but don't expect anything shiny as in Nordic series."
In a two-star review in The Guardian, Luke Buckmaster said that the show was "never terrible" but wrote: "I found myself constantly second-guessing the experience rather than being swept away by the currents of the story. Unsubtle water-related metaphors and symbolism are part of the experience: the titular 'Savage River' being beautiful but, indeed, rather savage, or at least the scene of multiple crimes."
Who stars in Savage River?
The cast is led by Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why), and she's also joined by Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin), Robert Grubb (Neighbours), Cooper Van Grootel (Collapse), Nadine Garner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries) and Jacqueline McKenzie (The 4400).
© ITVAlso featured are Jack Kenny (RFDS), Daniel Henshall (The Babadook), Bernard Curry (Wentworth), James Mackay (Dynasty), Richard Piper (Pirates of the Caribbean), Andrew Gilbert (Round the Twist), Leah Vandenberg (The Letdown), Amesh Edireweera (The Serpent) and Osamah Sami (Ali's Wedding).
Rounding out the cast were Maia Abbas (House of Gods), Miranda Anwar (The Offing), Rajan Velu (Scandal), Julian Weeks (The Survivors), Molly Grace (The Perfection), Ayesha Gibson (The Retirement Plan), Hattie Hook (Ten Pound Poms), Sally-Anne Upton (Bring Her Back), Bev Killick (Four Quarters), Virginia Gay (All Saints) and Hannah Bickerton, who made her debut in the drama.
