Watch Picnic at Hanging Rock
- TV-14
- 2018
- 1 Season
-
6.2 (4,522)
Picnic at Hanging Rock is a mesmerizing mystery drama series that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2018. The show is a reimagining of Joan Lindsay's iconic novel of the same name from 1967. The series is set in the year 1900 and follows the story of a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College who vanish on a trip to Hanging Rock in Victoria, Australia.
The show is a beautiful portrayal of Edwardian-era Australia, complete with stunning cinematography that showcases the breathtaking Australian landscape. This is complemented by its hypnotic score that draws the viewers into the atmosphere of the show. Picnic at Hanging Rock is equal parts eerie and enchanting.
Natalie Dormer stars in the lead role of Mrs. Hester Appleyard, the enigmatic headmistress of the boarding school. She is a woman with her fair share of secrets, and Dormer plays her character flawlessly. Lily Sullivan takes on the role of Miranda Reid, the most outspoken and rebellious of the students, who is the first to disappear. Lola Bessis plays Mademoiselle de Poitiers, a French teacher who is as mysterious as she is alluring. Harrison Gilbertson portrays Michael Fitzhubert, a wealthy young man who is drawn into the mystery of the missing girls. Samara Weaving plays Irma Leopold, a student who is left behind after the other girls disappear, and Madeleine Madden takes on the role of Marion Quade, the studious and reserved student who seeks answers to the mystery.
The show keeps the viewers on their toes as it explores the aftermath of the disappearance of the schoolgirls. The storyline primarily revolves around the dynamic between the characters and how they are affected by the incident. There is a palpable sense of dread that hangs over the show, as the characters are forced to grapple with the mystery of the missing girls and the impact it has on their lives.
One of the standout aspects of the show is its portrayal of female sexuality and desire. The show fearlessly delves into the sexual desires of the female characters, both in a heterosexual and homosexual sense. It is refreshing to see complex female characters exploring their sexuality in a way that is not objectified or simplified. The show is also unapologetic in its feminist stance, as it explores the constraints placed on women during that era and how they navigate them.
Another thing that sets the show apart is its use of dream-like sequences and surreal imagery. The show uses these devices to great effect, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This artistic direction gives the show an otherworldly quality that feels at times like a fairy tale.
Overall, Picnic at Hanging Rock is a visually stunning and deeply engrossing show. The story weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and horror to create a unique viewing experience that will leave viewers pondering the mystery of the missing girls long after the series concludes. The compelling performances, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack make this show a must-watch for fans of the mystery and thriller genres.
Picnic at Hanging Rock is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between May 6, 2018 and on Amazon