Ep 1. Telemovie: Part I

The Secret Life of Us is a drama series that takes a look at the lives of a group of twenty-somethings living in a shared apartment block in St Kilda, Melbourne. The first episode of season one, titled Telemovie: Part I, introduces us to the main characters and sets the stage for their interconnected lives.

The episode opens with a drunken Alex waking up in bed with a woman he doesn't know and immediately regretting it. He is a aspiring writer with commitment issues, and this one-night stand is just another symptom of his fear of settling down. Elsewhere in the apartment building, Evan, a doctor, is getting ready for work and trying to avoid his clingy girlfriend-who-is-not-his-girlfriend, who he has been stringing along for months.

As the day progresses, we meet the rest of the main characters. There's Gabrielle, a law student who is in a long-distance relationship with a man in Sydney; Richie, a musician who is trying to make it big; and Kelly, a nurse who is dealing with a difficult patient and the fact that her mother has moved to the United States.

The characters' lives intersect throughout the episode, underscoring the theme of how we are all connected in ways we might not even realize. Alex runs into Gabrielle on the tram and they strike up a conversation, while Kelly and Evan work together to treat a patient and Richie has an encounter with a drug dealer that has unexpected consequences.

One of the most interesting aspects of Telemovie: Part I is the way it explores the characters' inner lives. We get a glimpse into their hopes, fears, and insecurities as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood. Alex, for example, is struggling to find his place in the world and is haunted by the memory of his father, who died when he was young. Gabrielle is torn between her love for her boyfriend and her desire for a more exciting life, while Evan is grappling with the idea of commitment and what it means to be a good partner.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger as the characters' lives are thrown into turmoil by an unexpected event. Without giving too much away, it's clear that the coming episodes will be full of drama, heartbreak, and surprising twists as the characters' fates become even more entwined.

Overall, Telemovie: Part I is a strong beginning to what promises to be a compelling series. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the writing captures the confusion and excitement of early adulthood. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas with an Australian sensibility, The Secret Life of Us is definitely worth checking out.