Safe Harbour

Relevant and insightful, this tense series explores the complex feelings people have about the plight of refugees. The story, much of which is told through a series of flashbacks, is told from the point of view of Ryan Gallagher and the other Australians, whose lives were markedly changed after the event. But it is also told from the point of view of Iranian refugee Ismail Al-Biyati (played by Hazem Shammas) and his family, who survived the boat trip and made it to Australia, but at a horrific cost. As the narrative seamlessly swings back and forth from past to present, each side reveals its version of what happened, and who they think is to blame for the things that went wrong.

It's a work of fiction, and one that leaves viewers with many unanswered questions. But Safe Harbour successfully offers some strong social commentary about Australians' real attitudes toward the refugees coming to their borders. However, it's easy to parallel the attitudes being underscored with those of other Western countries, and acknowledge the underlying bigotry that serves as the motivation to turn one's back on non-Caucasian or Muslim asylum seekers. As a result, while it's an excellent series, it may force some viewers to face difficult truths.