Total Control

Total Control is a riveting Australian political drama series released in 2019 and available on Amazon. Known previously as Black Bitch, the series was rebranded as Total Control for its international release in order to better accentuate the power-centric theme of the storyline. The show steers viewers into the domain of Australian politics, shedding light on indigenous rights, gender disparity, and racial tensions.

The series features Deborah Mailman, a celebrated actress who plays Alex Irving, a charismatic indigenous woman from Queensland. Alex's life takes an unprecedented turn when she handles a crisis scenario - a junction that puts her under the national spotlight in Australia. Recognizing her resilience and strength, the Australian Prime Minister, Rachel Anderson, played by Rachel Griffiths, seizes this opportunity to utilize Alex's new-found fame and popularity for her own political gain. Rachel offers Alex an unexpected proposition - a vacant seat in the Senate. What seems like a tokenistic action to boost popularity, turns into a political power struggle.

Drawn into the complex and heated world of Australian politics, Alex has to navigate not just the political machinations of the Senate, but also the crippling inequality faced by her own community. She battles the conflicted loyalties and the immense prejudice her indigenous status brings to the table. Despite the external pressures, Alex remains unwavering in her resolve to bring about change.

As the series progresses, it delves into Alex's journey and struggle against the deeply embedded, systemic issues of her homeland. The political drama also explores themes of female leadership in a male-dominated world, the escalating racial divide, and the balancing act between personal goals and public service.

Rachel Griffiths plays the Australian Prime Minister, a character who is perceptive, ambitious, strategic, and hardened by the relentless world of politics. Her position is on shaky grounds with her own party plotting against her. Her decision to recruit Alex is a calculated move to consolidate power in an increasingly unstable political landscape. However, Rachel begins to realize that Alex is not a pawn to be controlled but a force to reckon with.

Total Control neither shies away from the harsh realities of the political spectrum nor from the intricate dilemmas of personal battles. It provides a raw and authentic representation of Australia’s contemporary issues. The brilliantly crafted dialogues and the dramatic crescendos hold the viewers captive, keeping them on edge with every twist and turn.

What sets Total Control apart from other political thrillers is the indigenous perspective it brings into focus, a viewpoint often marginalized in mainstream media. The series introduces characters who belong to Australia's diverse indigenous community and their narratives are heavily influenced by Aboriginal culture.

Total Control hosts a compelling ensemble cast, providing a script that allows each character to evolve. The characters are carefully constructed, each with their distinct personality, but all tied together under the overarching themes of power, politics, and justice. The performances by Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, both powerhouse actresses, are par excellence, breathing life into their respective roles.

The series showcases Australia's unique landscape, with shots fired in both urban settings and more rural locales, providing a visual contrast that symbolizes the dichotomy of Australia's societal structure — the political elite and the marginalized indigenous communities.

The direction by Rachel Perkins is exceptional. She seamlessly blends the compelling storyline with the underlying political and societal issues, all the while delivering a pacing that keeps viewers engrossed till the very end. Moreover, the crew behind Total Control consists of a majority of indigenous Australians, bringing a level of authenticity and representation rarely seen on screen.

In summary, Total Control is a gripping, thought-provoking, and astutely observed political drama. It is a testament to the international appeal of Australian television, featuring strong characters, politically charged narratives, and culturally significant portrayals. Whether you are a fan of political drama or enjoy compelling storytelling, Total Control is an engaging watch that will challenge your perspectives and push boundaries.