The Unlisted

The Unlisted is a captivating Australian sci-fi thriller series targeted at youth audiences, produced for ABC3 and first released in 2019. The 15-part series is an intriguing exploration of contemporary teens' struggles while being absorbed into a universal, clandestine, yet relatable story.

The protagonists of The Unlisted are Indian-Australian identical twins, Dru and Kal Sharma, both 12-years-old. The show positions these two ordinary adolescents as unsuspecting heroes who end up embarking on an extraordinary adventure beyond their wildest imaginations. Yet, while embarking on this journey, the tale never loses its authentic emotional core, an examination of the tension and affection that permeates the bond between the brothers.

The core narrative is fueled by a nefarious organization conducting an experimental program covertly. When this sinister group, named the Infinity Group, manages to infiltrate the national curriculum with free dental check-ups and turns their school into a control point for manipulation, Dru and Kal are quick to sense that something wicked is afoot.

The Unlisted deftly uses sci-fi tropes to mirror the contemporary mood of technological anxiety. The enemy is not an alien or a monster, but the frightening prospects of unchecked technologies, especially with the involvement of children. It mines current fears about privacy, surveillance, and the loss of independence through technological infiltration that could be used for malevolent purposes.

The series transforms this otherwise dystopian setting into an exhilarating adventure ride with a posse of children outsmarting adults. As the challenges become greater and the villains more ominous, they establish a covert team of teens to disenchant the Infinity Group's machinations. The series is distinctively grounded in the reality of diversity that reflects the real world, featuring racially diverse characters, both on the good and bad sides.

The Unlisted is not only visually plush but also intricate about its plot details. It drops viewers clues from the beginning, offering glimpses of what's to come and adding layers of mystery that demand close attention. It's a great mixture of suspense and heart, with characters that viewers grow to care about. As Dru and Kal attempt to outwit their enemies, the series explores themes of trust, co-dependence, rites of passage and the desolation and exhilaration that come with stepping out into the world on your own.

While the series dabbles with the realm of science fiction and dystopia, its real strength lies in its emotional resonance. The heady emotional rollercoaster ride of trust, betrayal, family ties, and friendship often steals the spotlight from the sci-fi action, making its characters more relatable and the storyline more engaging.

Moreover, The Unlisted also serves as an immersive cultural experience, subtly integrating Indian customs and traditions into the storyline to create a diverse and multicultural watch experience. The Sharma family's interactions and traditions portrayed throughout the series elicit a beautiful sense of familiarity and fondness, making the viewing experience even more inclusive.

Throughout the series, viewers are also treated to an impressive array of well-choreographed action sequences and well-executed special effects. The visual aesthetics of the series enhance the viewing experience, further drawing the audience into the world of the Sharma twins.

With compelling narratives, well-fleshed characters, elements of global socio-political relevance reflected subtly, and beautiful integration of multicultural elements, The Unlisted presents a multidimensional watching experience. The series goes beyond the mere sci-fi genre, blending mystery, adventure, teen drama, and the element of emotional coming of age with seamless ease.

In a nutshell, The Unlisted is a suspense-laden, compelling narrative that treads the fine line between a dark dystopian future and the emotionally grounded reality of two teenagers. It's an accomplished piece of work that will keep viewers engaged, intrigued, empathetic, and hungry for more. For those seeking a show that amalgamates suspense, sci-fi elements, drama, cultural diversity and emotional depth in equal measures, The Unlisted is an absolute must-watch.