"F*%#ing Adelaide": A Family Drama with Bite and Heart
A Brief but Powerful Family Reunion in Adelaide
In the heart of Australia, a small, sharp family drama emerges in the form of "F%#ing Adelaide,"* a six-episode mini-series now available on Amazon Prime Video. Each episode is just 15 minutes long, but what it lacks in runtime, it makes up for in depth, emotion, and a keenly observed exploration of family dynamics. The show centers around the Taylor siblings—Eli, Emma, and Kitty—who are brought back together in their childhood home in Adelaide after their mother, Maude, drops a bombshell: she’s selling the house. This decision forces the siblings to confront their past, their complicated relationships, and the lingering wounds left by their abusive, absentee father. Despite its brevity, the series packs a punch, delivering a nuanced and often humorous look at how families can both hurt and heal each other.
Grappling with Adulthood and the Past
At the core of "F%#ing Adelaide"* are the adult siblings, each struggling with their own version of arrested development. Eli, played by Brendan Maclean, is a wannabe glam rocker living in Sydney, gigging at unimpressive venues and getting into bar fights. His life is interrupted when Maude insists he return home. Emma, the pragmatic older sister played by Kate Box, is pulled away from her nonprofit work in Thailand, bringing her family along. Meanwhile, Kitty, the youngest and most reckless of the siblings, played by Tilda Cobham-Hervey, is preoccupied with her clandestine sex life, which often feels more like a distraction than a source of fulfillment. Together, they’re forced to confront their shared history and the man who left such a heavy mark on their lives—their father. While Eli and Emma recoil at the mere mention of his name, Kitty, who doesn’t even remember him, yearns for a connection, however imperfect. Maude, portrayed by Pamela Rabe, seems to be holding onto more than just memories, as evidenced by the cluttered storage boxes that fill the house.
A House Full of Tension and Unspoken Emotions
The family’s reunion is anything but smooth. The house feels cramped, both physically and emotionally, as the siblings navigate their complicated relationships. The tension is palpable, with squabbles and heated exchanges that feel both familiar and fraught. The chemistry among the adult siblings is electric, veering between playful teasing and barely contained fury. The house itself becomes a character, its walls bearing witness to the family’s history and its current dysfunction. Even the bathroom becomes a battleground, constantly occupied and symbolic of the lack of personal space. Amidst the chaos, Maude’s decision to sell the house looms large, forcing everyone to reckon with what they’re willing to hold onto—and what they’re ready to let go of.
A Surprising Twist That Changes Everything
One of the standout aspects of "F%#ing Adelaide"* is its ability to surprise, particularly in its final two episodes. Without giving too much away, the show takes a narrative turn that completely shifts the audience’s understanding of the story so far. It’s a clever move, one that adds depth to the characters and their motivations, and it’s a testament to the show’s sharp writing and pacing. The twist doesn’t feel contrived or tacked on; instead, it feels like a natural progression of the story, revealing layers that had been subtly hinted at throughout the earlier episodes. It’s a bold choice, and it pays off beautifully, leaving viewers with a lot to think about long after the credits roll.
Music as Mood and Memory
The series also incorporates a unique musical element, courtesy of Eli’s glam rock aspirations. His looping music becomes a sort of omnipresent score, weaving in lines and syllables from the dialogue to create a dreamy, ethereal soundtrack. At times, it’s poignant and evocative, perfectly capturing the mood of a scene. Other times, it feels a bit overdone, like a playful but exhausting exercise in echolalia. Still, it’s a bold choice that sets the show apart and adds to its offbeat charm. The music becomes another way for the characters to express themselves, particularly Eli, whose performances are both a reflection of his ambitions and a coping mechanism for the chaos around him.
A Show Full of Life and Laughs, Even in the Hard Times
One of the joys of "F%#ing Adelaide"* is its ability to balance humor and pathos, often in the same moment. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of family life, but it also knows when to lighten the mood. This is perhaps best seen in the character of Cleo, Emma’s nonbinary tween child, played by Aud Mason-Hyde. Cleo is a scene-stealer, delivering some of the show’s funniest and most touching moments. In one particularly memorable scene, Cleo plays a guessing game with Maude, trying to figure out who she’s describing. When Cleo finally realizes Maude is talking about herself, it’s both funny and profound, a moment that speaks volumes about identity and self-perception. Cleo’s presence adds another layer to the show, reminding us that families are messy, multigenerational, and full of life, even in the hardest times.
A Bittersweet but Beautiful Exploration of Family
In the end, "F%#ing Adelaide" is a bittersweet but ultimately beautiful exploration of family, trauma, and the complicated bonds that tie us together. It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s deeply rewarding, with standout performances from the entire cast. The show’s short runtime is both a blessing and a curse—on the one hand, it’s a tight, focused story with no room for filler; on the other, it’s over all too soon, leaving viewers wanting more. Still, it’s a stunning achievement, proving that even the smallest stories can have a big impact. So if you’re looking for a family drama that’s a little unconventional, a little irreverent, and a whole lot of heart, "F%#ing Adelaide" is worth a watch.
