Sisters (2017)

Sisters is a captivating Australian television drama series that premiered on Network Ten in 2017. Created by the talented team of Imogen Banks and Jonathan Gavin, the show brings to life a riveting story about the complexities of family, secrets, and genetics.

The plotline of Sisters centres on Julia Bechly, a successful children's book author in her 30s, who discovers that her life isn't what she thought it was. She has always enjoyed an idyllic existence as the only child of her single parent father, Julius Bechly, a Nobel Prize winning fertility specialist.

However, her life takes an unexpected twist when her ailing father drops a bombshell - he admits that he used his own sperm in the numerous IVF procedures he performed during his career, implying that Julia potentially has hundreds of biological siblings all over the country. This shocking revelation sets the stage for a journey of discovery and exploration as Julia ventures into the unfamiliar territory of sibling relationships, trying to navigate the intricate web of newfound biological ties.

Sisters intriguingly explores the aftermath of Julius' shocking admission as it brings together three women from dramatically different backgrounds: Julia, a privileged daughter; Roxy Karibas, a television star coping with substance abuse; and lawyer Edie Flanagan stuck in an unhappy marriage. These women, who embody varying degrees of Julius' personality traits and temperaments, embark on a journey of self-discovery and forging new relationships.

The series is an intriguing examination of the meaning of family and the ways both blood relation and personal relations shape our lives and identities. It raises questions about the nature of familial bonds, the ethical implications of artificial insemination, and the unintended consequences of science.

Julia, Edie, and Roxy are compelling and relatable characters who challenge the stereotypes usually associated with women in modern television. They demonstrate an array of diverse women in a complex web of gender, power, sexuality, and generation. Their evolving relationships provide fascinating insights into the dynamics of sisterhood.

The narrative of Sisters also incorporates several subplots that provide depth and nuance to its primary storyline. From infidelity, marital discord, friendship, sexuality, to career struggles, each character possesses a unique storyline that unfolds in the backdrop of the main plot, adding further layers and complexities to the show.

Sisters is a well-crafted drama that does justice to its premise with strong writing, nuanced performances, and deeply flawed yet endearing characters who feel real and relatable. It delves into the themes of family, identity, and ethics without resorting to cliché or sentimentality. Instead, it navigates sensitive issues with a heartfelt sincerity, allowing its characters to grow and evolve amidst the emotional turmoil that the newfound truth brings alongside.

Largely hinged on the performance of its talented cast, the show skillfully combines drama and light-hearted moments. It delivers a satisfying mix of engaging storylines, sprinkled with moments of intense drama and sensitive emotional exploration. Antonia Prebble does a remarkable job in portraying Julia with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. Maria Angelico plays Roxy with flair and gusto, illustrating the internal struggles of a woman dealing with addiction. Lucy Durack, as Edie, brings to life the complexities of a woman grappling with dissatisfaction in marriage.

Visually, the show is quite appealing with crisp cinematography that brings out the glamour and exuberance of the Australian setting, complemented by the well-paced direction that keeps viewers engrossed in the unfolding drama.

At its core, Sisters is a heartwarming narrative about self-discovery, familial bonds, and the strength of women. While the concept of the series is a unique twist on the traditional family drama, it's the emphasis on complex characters, their relationships, and their personal journeys that makes the show truly stand out.

To sum it up, Sisters is a thought provoking, emotional, and captivating drama that continues to entertain, amuse, and provoke thought with its honest portrayal of complicated human relations. A show that deserves praise for its courage to tackle complex themes with sincerity and empathy, Sisters is a television experience that imprints on the viewers, leaving them wanting more.