“Scrublands,” the Australian crime drama based on Chris Hammer’s award-winning and bestselling novel of the same name, is set to premiere in the US on May 2, 2024, on Sundance Now and AMC+. The four-part series, directed by Greg McLean and written by Felicity Packard, Kelsey Munro, and Jock Serong, stars Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcote, and Jay Ryan.
The show, set in an isolated and struggling country town, follows the aftermath of a tragic event where a charismatic and dedicated priest, Byron Swift (Jay Ryan), opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. A year later, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) arrives in Riversend to write a feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy. However, as he digs beneath the surface, he discovers that the accepted narrative is not what it seems, and he finds himself in a race to uncover the truth.
The series is strong Australian drama that sustain tension across its four episodes. The narrative, complex characters, and exploration of small-town secrets are well done, providing a fresh take on the Australian crime drama genre.
“Scrublands” premiered in Australia on Stan on November 16, 2023, and in the UK on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on November 18, 2023. The show’s US premiere on Sundance Now and AMC+ adds to its global reach, allowing a wider audience to experience this gripping crime drama.
