Ep 2. Joyride

In Redfern Now season 1 episode 2 titled Joyride, we follow the story of 14-year-old Joel, who goes on a joyride with his friends and ends up in a disastrous situation. Joel comes from a broken home, and his mother is emotionally distant from him, leaving him without any parental guidance. Joel's friends pressure him to steal a car, and he reluctantly agrees. However, the situation takes a turn for the worse when the car crashes into a parked vehicle, leaving Joel and his friends scrambling to avoid getting caught.

Meanwhile, Joel's mother, played by Leah Purcell, is trying to keep her job as a nurse and support her family. But with Joel's behavior out of control, she finds it difficult to balance her work and home life. As the story unfolds, we see the toll Joel's actions take on the people around him, including his mother and the owner of the car he stole.

The episode explores the themes of family, morality, and consequence. We see how Joel's actions not only affect himself but also the people in his life who care about him. The story also highlights the challenges of growing up in a disadvantaged community, where some young people feel like they have no other option than to resort to criminal behavior to get what they want.

The acting in Joyride is outstanding, with a standout performance from Aaron McGrath, who portrays Joel with raw emotion and vulnerability. McGrath perfectly captures the complexities of a troubled teenager struggling to find his place in the world. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, providing depth and nuance to the characters they play.

The direction by Rachel Perkins is excellent, with a focus on the emotional beats of the story and the relationships between the characters. The pacing is well-managed, building tension and suspense throughout the episode. The cinematography by Mark Wareham is also noteworthy, capturing the gritty and realistic portrayal of the Redfern community.

Overall, Joyride is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that delves into the complicated lives of young people growing up in disadvantaged communities. It is a testament to the talent of the cast and crew of Redfern Now, who created a compelling and authentic portrayal of a community often misrepresented in the media.