Top Of The Lake

Top of the Lake is an engaging crime drama series that first premiered on Sundance Channel in 2013 and continued till 2017. A masterful collaboration between Oscar-winning writer-director Jane Campion and co-writer Gerard Lee, the series offers a heart-rending fusion of mystery thriller, character study, and social commentary.

The lead protagonist of the series is Elisabeth Moss, lauded for her role as undercover detective Robin Griffin, stationed in the remote regions of New Zealand. Moss delivers a riveting performance, exploring darkness and despair as her character uncovers horrifying secrets and unspeakable evils. The narrative, though soaked in gloom, finds its strength in the portrayal of resilience and redemption in the face of cruelty and corruption.

David Wenham plays Al Parker, a local cop dealing with his own palette of complexity. His character oscillates between his duty to maintain order and his potential complicity with the lawlessness in the town.

Scottish actor Peter Mullan plays Matt Mitcham, a local crime lord whose ruthless persona embodies the darkness lurking in the picturesque corner of New Zealand. His formidable performance adds significant weight to the storyline, offering a chilling reflection of the grim reality.

Holly Hunter graces the series as a feminist guru named G.J, offering some of the most thought-provoking dialogues and insights in the series. Alongside her is Gwendoline Christie, recognized for her role as Miranda Hilmarson, that adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, bending the gender norms in this law enforcement universe.

David Dencik, Alice Englert, and Nicole Kidman also mark their presence in the series in respective roles, each sketching a character doused with mystery, emotion, depth, and conflict.

“Top of the Lake” is truly immersive, with its slow-burning narrative and intensifying suspense. Set against the contrasting backdrop of breathtakingly beautiful lakes and mountains and the grim underbelly of the local society, the series carries a haunting visual appeal. Thanks to Campion's directorial prowess, the scenic landscapes mirror the story's atmospheric tension, providing an eerie tranquillity that underpins the storyline's intense emotional resonance.

The brilliantly crafted plot delves into a range of unsettling themes and societal issues: from child abuse, domestic violence, corruption to the struggle of female identity in a patriarchal society. It does not shy away from the exploration of such bleak themes but approaches them with unflinching honesty and sensitivity.

While the first season of the series explores the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl and the unsanctioned investigation initiated by Griffin, the second season titled 'Top of the Lake: China Girl' takes the audience to Sydney, where Griffin is attempting to restart her life. But her past never really leaves her, and when a suitcase containing the body of an Asian girl washes up on Bondi Beach, Griffin finds herself drawn back into the crime-solving world.

The character development in Top of the Lake is expertly written and acted, with individual stories being unraveled as the series progresses; making each character’s personal journey as gripping as the central mystery plot itself. All of these elements come together to make “Top of the Lake” a power-packed drama series that leaves a profound impact on its viewers. Each character, each subplot, is woven in seamlessly, making the series an intense meditation on trauma, resilience, and the human search for justice and redemption.

So, if you are a fan of intricate storytelling, depth-characterization, and suspense-filled mysteries, then Top of the Lake is sure to be a riveting watch. With its captivating plot, breathtaking cinematography, and masterful performances, the series is a testament to the promise and power of compelling storytelling in the television format. It is a showcase of Jane Campion's genius as a path-breaking director and the magnetic talents of its ensemble cast, including Moss, Wenham, Mullan, Hunter, Christie, Dencik, Englert, and Kidman.