“Olive Kitteridge.” / “Faraway Downs.”

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“Olive Kitteridge” (HBO) drama miniseries based on Elizabeth Strout's 2008 novel of the same title. Set in Maine, this fascinating miniseries features Frances McDormand as the title character, and Richard Jenkins as Olive's loving husband Henry Kitteridge. Bill Murray renders an endearing performance in the last episodes as Jack Kennison.



       Ms McDormand and Mr Jenkins deservedly won Emmys for sustained grip of Ollie's stubborn acerbity and Henry's mild-mannered pleasantness. 

       I was expecting a depressing denouement but it didn't end that way. In a way, I saw myself in Ollie more than I did with Henry or Jack. Warm, engaging miniseries. 🎥👍📽


“Faraway Downs” (Hulu) adventure drama, an extended 6-episode TV series version of the 2008 film “Australia” by Biz Luhrmann. Baz is considered as the most commercially successful Australian director, with four of his films in the top ten highest worldwide grossing Australian films of all time. You may google him and his work. The last that I saw was 2022's “Elvis,” which I truly enjoyed.



      Set between 1939 and 1942 against a dramatized backdrop of events across northern Australia at the time, such as the bombing of Darwin during World War II, “Faraway Downs” centers on an aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley, a dashing drover, and Nullah, a half white/half aboriginal child. Plus aboriginal myths and spectacular cattle muster work.

       Nicole Kidman is Lady Ashley, Hugh Jackman is the drover, and an engaging Brandon Walters is Nullah. 

This epic excels for its enthralling production design by Catherine Martin, who won awards for her previous work with Mr Luhrmann. Then there's the amazing outback sequences. 

       But the drama is nothing so unusual as the sappy romance that gets conveniently entangled within. But still a binge-watch magnet, I must concede. 🎥💻📽


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