Watch Total Control

Total Control is a gripping Australian political drama series that premiered in 2019. The show is directed by Rachel Perkins and produced by Blackfella Films, which is known for creating critically acclaimed shows like Redfern Now and Cleverman. The show features an all-star cast, including Deborah Mailman, Rachel Griffiths, and Rob Collins, amongst others.

The story of Total Control revolves around Alex Irving, played by Deborah Mailman, who is an Indigenous woman from a remote Australian community. She is unexpectedly thrust into the political limelight after her estranged and unknown father, a senior politician and member of the Australian parliament, dies suddenly. Alex decides to run for his vacant seat, and her campaign turns out to be a tumultuous and trying experience. The story tackles themes of political intrigue, corruption, and racial tensions that are still prevalent in Australia today.

The show addresses the systemic racism that Indigenous people face in Australian politics. The character of Alex has to navigate her way through political bureaucracy and racism to gain the upper hand in her campaign. She battles with both her shady opponents and the media, who are quick to judge her and her intentions. The show is set in a time where the Australian government promises to uplift Indigenous communities, but these pledges become empty rhetoric when politics becomes a game of tactics and self-advancement.

Deborah Mailman's portrayal of Alex Irving is the driving force of the show. Her character is complex and multifaceted, and Mailman's performance brilliantly captures the nuances of the role. She emanates both strength and vulnerability, and portrays the character of Alex as a fighter who is determined to stand up for what she believes in.

Rachel Griffiths plays the role of Maxine, who is the Prime Minister and Alex's political rival. Maxine is a shrewd politician who has her own ambition, and it quickly becomes apparent that she sees Alex as a threat to her position. Griffiths delivers an outstanding performance, and her character's arc is equally compelling to that of Alex.

Rob Collins plays the role of Wiradjuri man, Gibson. Gibson is Alex's campaign manager, who has his own demons to deal with. Collins delivers a fantastic performance, and his character provides a counterbalance to Alex's rigid and principled approach. He adds depth to the narrative and allows viewers to delve deeper into the world of Australian politics.

The show is filmed in stunning locations, which add to the authenticity of the storytelling. The Australian landscape is vast and rugged, and it is portrayed in all its glory in Total Control. The cinematography captures the beauty of the country and contrasts it with the darker themes of the show. The music is an excellent accompaniment to the visuals, and it heightens the dramatic tension of each scene.

Overall, Total Control is an engaging and thought-provoking series that tackles important societal issues plaguing Australia. The show is a perfect blend of drama and politics, and it is a testament to the creative vision of its writers, directors, and cast. It is a must-watch show for anyone who enjoys political dramas and wants to explore the intersection between race, power, and politics.

Total Control is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between October 12, 2019 and on Amazon Addon