Netflix saddles up for a thrilling journey into the heart of Australia with Territory, a new drama series that throws Succession-style power struggles into the scorching landscape of the Northern Territory. Creators Ben Davies and Timothy Lee, along with director Greg McLean (the maestro of outback horror in Wolf Creek), deliver a show that’s as unpredictable and captivating as the land itself.
Territory
Forget the concrete jungle of New York City; Territory transports us to Marianne Station, a sprawling cattle empire that dwarfs even the most ambitious real-life ranches. This fictional behemoth becomes a battleground for the Lawson family, a dynasty teetering on the brink of implosion.
The catalyst? A shocking death that sets the stage for a ruthless game of succession. Heir apparent Daniel (Jake Ryan) meets a gruesome end, not in a boardroom or a car crash, but in the jaws of a pack of dingoes. This scene isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a raw, visceral reminder of the untamed power of the outback, echoing that unforgettable moment in The Grey where Liam Neeson prepares for a desperate showdown with wolves. Only this time, there’s no Hollywood heroics, just a brutal reminder that nature plays by its own rules.
With Daniel out of the picture, the Lawson family descends into a maelstrom of ambition and betrayal. Patriarch Colin (Robert Taylor), a hardened cattle baron with a voice gruffer than a road train engine, surveys his potential successors with disdain. There’s Graham (Michael Dorman), his alcoholic son struggling to keep his demons at bay; Emily (Anna Torv), his daughter-in-law whose family history is intertwined with the Lawsons’ in a generations-long feud; and their children, the free-spirited Marshall (Sam Corlett) and the shrewd Susie (Philippa Northeast).
The casting is spot-on. Anna Torv, known for her nuanced performances in Fringe and Mindhunter, brings a quiet intensity to Emily, a woman caught between loyalty and ambition. Michael Dorman, who captivated audiences in For All Mankind, delivers a raw and vulnerable portrayal of Graham, a man teetering on the edge. Sam Corlett, the breakout star of Vikings: Valhalla, infuses Marshall with youthful rebellion and a thirst for adventure, while Philippa Northeast, a veteran of Australian television, keeps us guessing as the enigmatic Susie.
But Territory isn’t just a family drama; it’s a reflection of the complex social and political landscape of the Australian outback. The series introduces us to Nolan Brannock (Clarence Ryan), an Indigenous station owner and cattleman who finds himself caught in the crossfire of the Lawsons’ power struggle. Ryan, a rising star with undeniable charisma, brings a fiery intensity to the role, highlighting the ongoing fight for land rights and recognition. And in a welcome return to the screen, we see the legendary Hamilton Morris, who delivered a powerhouse performance in Sweet Country, grace the screen as Indigenous elder Uncle Bryce, offering a voice of wisdom and tradition.
What truly sets Territory apart is its unexpected genre-bending. Just when you think you’ve settled into a rhythm of family drama and political intrigue, McLean injects the narrative with bursts of pure adrenaline. Helicopters swooping over vast landscapes, tense gunfights erupting in the dusty plains, and characters making daring escapes – it’s as if Wolf Creek and Rogue crashed headfirst into Succession. These action sequences aren’t just gratuitous; they’re a visceral reminder of the dangers and unpredictable nature of life in the outback.
Territory is a show that defies easy categorization. It’s a family saga, a political thriller, an action-packed adventure, and a love letter to the rugged beauty of the Australian outback. With its compelling characters, stunning cinematography, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Territory is a must-watch for anyone who craves television that’s bold, unpredictable, and utterly captivating.
