Drama meets action

Netflix limited series ‘Territory’ wastes no time in setting the stage for a high-stakes succession battle amidst the picturesque Australian outback. The stakes in this cattle-ranch drama are high as Daniel Lawson (Jake Ryan), the former ranch leader, is found dead barely a few minutes into the first episode. Thus begins the battle to seize control of the world’s biggest cattle station, the size of Belgium.

The first episode accelerates through these intricacies, leaving some questions unanswered and making you immediately invested in the plot. The Brannocks and a mineral speculator named Sandra Kirby (Sara Wiseman) circle the vulnerable Lawson business, seeking to acquire or exploit its resources. Meanwhile, Emily (Anna Torv), the ranch’s emotional anchor, navigates marital dissatisfaction and loyalty conflicts between her husband’s family and her own. As she takes the centre stage, a power struggle is imminent.

With numerous characters and plot threads, the show demands attention. Viewers may find themselves wishing for a pause to clarify complex family dynamics, alliances and motivations.

Director Greg McLean seeks to combine family dynamics and power struggles in the outback. Generational trauma and enmity, coupled with patriarchy, come handy in achieving that. Although McLean’s expertise lies in the horror genre, he excels in this neo-western drama too.

The life of the ranching community, from driving choppers to managing cattle herds to their bickering as cowboys — it all works surprisingly well. The landscape of the Northern Australian Territories, backed by performances by Torv, Taylor and Dorman, makes the show a must-watch. The cast delivers strong performances, capturing the tensions and uncertainties. It’s an effective blend of drama and action with layered characters. With lots of players involved, it surprises you at many levels, while leaving room for a sequel.

It reminds you of ‘Yellowstone’, but picture it in Australia. Although entirely fictitious, it’s inspired from the world’s largest cattle ranch, Anna Creek Station, which is in South Australia.

It offers a breath of fresh air and helps understand how Australians farm and live out in lakhs of acres of land, managing with choppers and what not! They are living the dream and we get the window seat.