Ep 1. Family

Redfern Now is an Australian drama series that tells stories of contemporary urban Indigenous Australians and their experience with family, friends, and community. In episode one of season one, entitled "Family," we are introduced to multiple characters in the Redfern community who all deal with the various challenges of family life.

The first character we meet is Lorraine (Deborah Mailman), a working mother who has recently been promoted to a management position at the office. She's extremely proud of herself and expects her family to be proud of her too, but she's not getting that validation from her teenage son Daniel (Kirk Page). Daniel is more interested in his friends and his skateboarding than he is with what his mother is doing at work, which causes Lorraine to feel isolated and unappreciated. As she tries to earn her son's respect, she finds herself missing out on important moments in her children's lives.

Our next character is Gary (Wayne Blair), a father who has recently been released from prison and is trying to rebuild his relationship with his teenage daughter, Emma (Rarriwuy Hick). Emma is wary of her father, who was absent from her life for many years due to his incarceration. He's trying to prove to her that he's changed and wants to be a part of her life. However, Emma is adamant that she's not interested in rekindling their relationship and doesn't trust her father's intentions.

The third character we meet is Pete (Ernie Dingo), a grandfather who is dealing with his daughter's recent addiction to drugs. His daughter, Donna (Lisa Flanagan), has lost custody of her daughter, Jasmine (Astrid Nobel), who Pete is now responsible for caring for. It's a challenging situation for Pete, who is struggling to balance the demands of his job with the responsibility of caring for his granddaughter. Donna's drug addiction is causing a lot of tension within the family, and Pete is trying to find a way to help his daughter without letting her problems consume his life.

Lastly, we meet the character of Carla (Shari Sebbens), a shy and introspective young woman who is searching for her birth mother. She was adopted at birth and has always felt like there was a missing piece in her life. As she searches for her birth mother, she discovers some unsettling truths about her past and is forced to confront some difficult emotions.

Throughout the episode, we see how each character's family struggles intersect and collide with each other. The show is a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges that many Indigenous Australians face today. The characters all wrestle with issues of identity, connection, and belonging. They all want to be seen and understood by the people they love but are struggling to find a way to bridge the divide.

The show also explores the community of Redfern, a suburb of Sydney that has a rich history of indigenous culture and activism. The show acknowledges the legacy of colonialism and how it has impacted the community. It brings the audience into the lives of these characters and allows us to see the world from their perspectives.

The direction of the episode is masterful, with each scene and sequence carefully crafted to create a powerful emotional impact. All of the performances are top-notch, with each actor bringing a unique sensitivity and nuance to their role. The writing is excellent, with the script managing to balance a sense of grittiness with moments of tenderness and light.

Overall, Redfern Now Season 1 Episode 1 "Family" is a powerful piece of television that explores the complex challenges of contemporary Indigenous Australian life. It's a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles that many families face, and it offers a thoughtful and nuanced commentary on the issues and experiences of this community. The show is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary Australian drama and offers an insightful and thought-provoking look into the lives of indigenous Australians.