Wakefield

Wakefield is a compelling psychological drama series first aired on Australia's national public broadcaster, ABC, in 2021. This gripping series is an exploration of the human mind, the complexities of mental illnesses, and the people called to help those grappling with these conditions. It is set in a fictional psychiatric hospital named Wakefield in the picturesque Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a place of refuge, healing, secrets and, sometimes, sheer chaos.

The show revolves around the life of a gifted psychiatric nurse named Nikhil "Nik" Katira, portrayed by British actor Rudi Dharmalingam, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a dark secret from his past begins to affect his sanity. Nik is the heart and soul of Wakefield, admired for his exceptional ability to calm even the most disturbed patients. His demeanor is unassumingly soft, and he boasts an inexplicable 'gift' which enables him to draw out people’s underlying issues and make powerful connections with them. He's both a superhero of the hospital and a benignant misfit supported by his co-workers.

Wakefield boasts a multicultural ensemble cast where everyone, including patients, staff, and visitors, has their own world in the ward. In addition to dealing with their individual backgrounds and quirks, they're all intricately linked to various aspects of the show's central storyline. The essence of humanity resonates throughout the narrative, employing the mental health setting not just as a backdrop but as a way to probe deeper into each character's psyche.

The drama attracts audiences not only with its dramatic portrayal of mental disorders but also with the mysteries it encases. As the viewer is taken through past and present scenarios, the deeper, darker secrets start to unfold, driving the narrative to a suspense-filled crescendo.

Integral to the story is Nik's fascination with the song “Waltzing Matilda,” Australian filmmaker Glen Dolman masterfully crafts this cue to form the basis for a series of baffling events. A strange choreographed dance routine under an old song sets off recurring memories in Nik's mind, as he wrestles to preserve his profession and sanity from the shadows of his past.

Mandy McElhinney plays the role of a pragmatic and dutiful head nurse and Nik's steady friend, Linda. She is a warm and resilient force of nature who often serves as a counterbalance to Nik's spiraling thoughts. Her character flawlessly illustrates the internal battles of a woman confronting her troubles while carrying immense responsibilities. Geraldine Hakewill as Dr. Kareena Wells, the hospital psychiatrist, highlights the other side of mental health care where empathy presupposes clinical detachment.

The show happens to treat the subject of mental health with a unique sense of respect and authenticity, owing to the expert advice of consultant clinical psychiatrist Steve Ellen during its production. It brings into light all faces of mental illness, the complexities it weaves, and its reverberating effects on the patients and the individuals looking after them whilst persevering against stigmatization.

Director Jocelyn Moorhouse and her team embody a unique technical aesthetic in Wakefield. The directorial style augments the psychological elements of the script and amplifies the emotional climate through cinematography and sound design. Episodes often magnify the standards of visual storytelling, forming poignant images that speak volumes. The creative team has also ensured to capture the essence of Blue Mountain's breathtaking natural beauty to amalgamate with the show's somber mood.

Wakefield delves into the sensitive subject of mental health with aplomb, combining mystery, drama, and psychology into an immersive narrative. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the series may not be for everyone as it makes no attempts to sugarcoat the reality of mental health.

For people looking for a smart, intricately woven story of human complexities and love with great performances, Wakefield is indeed a must-watch. It is a rich and varied tapestry of characters and plotlines, skillfully exploring the human condition with equal measures of compassion, humour, darkness, and high drama. With its ability to keep viewers on their toes until the last episode, Wakefield is ceaselessly captivating, driven by its unpredictability, blazing performances, and a storyline with nuance and depth. Wakefield perfectly marries together an arresting psychological story with a visually appealing narrative style and compelling performances, making it an extraordinary addition to the field of Australian television.