The Kettering Incident

The Kettering Incident is an enthralling Australian mystery drama television series that first aired in 2016. Set in the rugged wilderness of Tasmania, the series promises an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue from its very first moment and throughout its eight episodes. It was created by Victoria Madden and Vincent Sheehan, and presented by Foxtel's Showcase and produced by Porchlight Films. It was co-funded by Screen Tasmania, Screen Australia, and the Tasmania Government through Tourism Tasmania.

The narrative centres on Dr Anna Macy, a brilliantly portrayed character by Elizabeth Debicki, who finds herself trapped in a complex web of enigmas and secrets. The plot spins around two girls who disappear in the seemingly idyllic town of Kettering, Tasmania. The major intrigue is that these two disappearances occurred fifteen years apart, with one unsettling commonality – Anna was present during both incidents.

The eponymous ‘incident’ refers to the disappearance of Anna's childhood friend. After this event, Anna moves away from Kettering only to return years later to connect the dots and confront the shadows of her past. Without giving anything away, it is fair to say that there is a sense of eerie and otherworldly aspects to what unfolded during that fateful day of the first disappearance.

The storyline of The Kettering Incident skillfully unfolds in an assortment of unexpected detours, effectively keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s part mystery and part psychological thriller, peppered with element of science fiction that adds another layer of depth to the already enigmatic narrative. The show skillfully delves into local politics, the logging industry, environmental activism, and the potential paranormal phenomena that cloak the town in mystery.

Creeping along smartly and asking viewers to be patient, The Kettering Incident builds its suspense over time. Atypical of many serialised dramas, the series doesn't rely on cliffhangers at the end of every episode to keep viewers coming back. Instead, it focuses on the nuances of its characters and the intricacies of its compelling plot, while the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Tasmania serves as the perfect backdrop for this chilling mystery.

Elizabeth Debicki shines in the leading role of Anna Macy. Returning to her hometown under a cloud of suspicion, she portrays the tortured protagonist with an air of mystery and vulnerability. The rest of the cast, including Matthew Le Nevez, Henry Nixon, and Damon Gameau, add to the atmospheric tension with their solid performances.

Working on different narrative tiers, The Kettering Incident plays with themes of identity, memory and the impact of the past on the present. It asks its audience to think about what it’s like to live with a past that is as opaque as Anna's, who not only has to deal with her unexplained black-outs but also the burden of suspicion around the past occurrences. The theme of environmental disruption and its potential impact on the local community is also explored, contributing to the series’ sense of foreboding and unease.

The series is impeccably shot, making the most of Tasmania’s sublime wilderness to accentuate the narrative’s menacing undertones. From the impenetrable forests to the fog-enveloped landscapes, the cinematography uses Tasmania as an additional sinister character in the tale, adding another layer to the eerie sense of unease that permeates the series.

To sum up, The Kettering Incident brings together the best elements of mystery, thriller, and science fiction, immersing viewers in a suspenseful narrative coupled with compelling characters and a visually impressive setting. Despite its classification as a crime series, the show offers a lot more; it engages on a psychological level, questioning the reliability of memory and the disturbing implications of its loss. Importantly, it is a show that respects its viewers, demanding attention and thought, making the final reveal all the more rewarding. With commendable performances and an insistently mysterious plot, The Kettering Incident is an intriguing series that will keep audiences hooked till the very end.