This week Netflix releases its newest Aussie original in Territory.
Territory tells the story of Marianne Station, owned by Lawson patriarch Colin (Robert Taylor), a traditionalist who refuses to hide his disdain for his family, mostly his alcoholic son Graham (Michael Dorman) and daughter-in-law Emily (Anna Torv), who comes from the notorious cattle-thieving Hodge family. The only person he seems to tolerate is his younger son Daniel (Jake Ryan) who is the chosen heir. However, Colin’s succession plan goes awry when Daniel is killed and Colin is faced with a choice of just who will inherit the station.
Daniel’s death rocks the community and sees the return of his nephew Marshall (Sam Corlett), who had chosen a life away from his family’s legacy with wild best mates Rich (Sam Delich) and Sharnie (Kylah Day). Also arriving with some surprising news is Marshall’s ferociously independent sister Susie (Philippa Northeast).
It’s clear that the Lawson dynasty is on the precipice of crumbling with no heir apparent and the vultures have already started to circle, including dangerous cattle baron Campbell Miller (Jay Ryan), Emily’s cattle-thief brother Hank Hodge (Dan Wyilie), ambitious Indigenous station owner Nolan Brannock (Clarence Ryan), and billionaire Sandra Kirby (Sara Wiseman), who has a secret scheme that could destroy the Lawson dynasty once and for all.
In the hands of Timothy Lee and Ben Davies, Territory’s opening with Daniel’s death allows the viewer to be immersed in a story that holds your attention through the many twists and turns of the 6-episode season.
With a stacked cast who are given ample time to shine as the story unfolds, Territory is an Australian drama you won’t want to miss.
4 Stars
Territory drops on Netflix tomorrow.
