Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lurhmann's new take on 2008 movie has racism, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Faraway Downs
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In FARAWAY DOWNS, a British noblewoman, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), travels to Australia to check on her husband's cattle ranch operation in the northern outback of the "territory." It's 1939, and war is coming to Australia, but Lady Ashley is determined to assess what her husband's been doing in the months he's been away. She's shocked to land in a raucous northern port called Darwin, where the man who's accompanying her to the ranch, a Mr. Drover (Hugh Jackman), is busy defending himself in a bar brawl. Now that Lady Ashley's been introduced to the rough-and-tumble reality of life in the territory, what will she find when she arrives at Faraway Downs? How will her time in Australia change her?
Is It Any Good?
Sweeping, dramatic, and a tad predictable, this Baz Luhrmann vehicle scoops the viewer into a whirlwind epic that zeroes in on racism inherent in Australian culture. Faraway Downs is part love story, part historical drama, with a drizzle of peripheral mysticism. It's as though the shaman known as King George (played by the excellent David Gulpilil) pulls the strings from behind a transcendent curtain. He doesn't need to say a word; his watchful presence atop a mesa, or in a jail cell, mesmerizes. Young actor Brandon Walters has a maestro's range as well. There are gems in this tapestry.
Jackman and Kidman know that their roles in this tribute border on patriotic. Though they're not given much beyond their stereotypes to play with, they do manage to grab poignant moments. Fans of epic dramas will appreciate this movie-turned-series the most.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how characters show compassion for each other in Faraway Downs. How can reaching out to others -- especially if they are different than you -- help to build bridges?
Teamwork plays a major role in this show. What happens when a team fails to gel? How is trust a crucial element to working as a team?
How do the characters show courage when all odds are stacked against them? What does courage feel like to you? Can you give yourself credit for being courageous?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 26, 2023
- Cast : Nicole Kidman , Hugh Jackman , Brandon Walters
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , History , Animals
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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