Secret City

There’s a very murky mist surrounding Lake Burley Griffin and its name is Secret City.

On the banks of the lake is the body of a dead young man, last seen running from Chinese officials with Parliament House looming in the distance. Before plunging into the lake he swallowed a SIM card which was subsequently sliced out of his corpse. Yes, Canberra is that kind of city in Foxtel’s new political thriller.

When Daily Nation journalist Harriet Dunkley (Anna Torv) sees the crime scene she begins to follow a story that will envelop three nations, federal politicians and those around her. As she pursues a grim murder case, she discovers a web of conspiracies.

The backdrop for this elaborate jigsaw is a ruling Federal Labor government. Defence Minister Mal Paxton (Dan Wyllie) is under pressure for the navy to join US forces in the South China Sea against a dominant China, but he’s not about to send fleets to “a pissing contest.”

Power-broker Senator Catriona Bailey (Jacki Weaver) doesn’t mince her words.

“60% of our trade goes through the South China Sea,” she barks. “Better get yourself a raincoat Mal, because you’ve unleashed a shit-storm of biblical proportions.”

But Mal will face a more immediate threat to his political career when his buried past lands in Harriet’s lap.

At the same time, Prime Minister Martin Toohey (Alan Dale) is dealing with a diplomacy case after an Australian woman sets fire to herself in Beijing as a protest to “Free Tibet.”

Another key player is Harriet’s ex, Australian Signals Directorate senior analyst Kim Gordon (Damon Herriman) whom she leans upon for information. What makes this role so interesting is that Kim is now transgender, but manoeuvres with influence both within the Defence intelligence agency and the screenplay.

As the murder investigation, political tugs-of-war and international diplomacies intersect, the viewer is lured down an intriguing rabbit hole without ever quite knowing how the sum of the parts will paint a complete picture.

Along the way there are plenty of treats. Canberra emerges as a character in its own right. Director of Photography Mark Wareham captures the city from above and within, with its circular roads and sparse, hollow corridors. Silent, modern buildings dwarf the players and Lake Burley Griffin becomes a foggy destination for furtive conversations or to hatch the next unruly plot.

Director Emma Freeman allows Matt Cameron’s script to breathe, with space for subtext and for performers to chart a course, all conducted like a chamber symphony.

Anna Torv stands tall as the journo following a story, easily winning our sympathies and refusing to wither when detours are put in her way. Jacki Weaver relishes the role of a seasoned pollie afforded too much swagger and all of the best lines. Dan Wyllie’s Defence Minister tries to remain a true believer but I fear a demise of his own making.

But there are other pleasures equally as satisfying if less marquee. Damon Herriman steals the show as transgender Kim (notably in episode 2) and look out for Chris Haywood sporting the best Howard-esque eyebrows this side of the Tampa. Sacha Horler as the PM’s Chief of Staff, Ludie Sypek wields Credlin-like influence. Other names in the cast include Alex Dimitriades, Marcus Graham, Miranda Tapsell and Benedict Samuel.

Secret City is a cool customer of a drama that will have you alert if not alarmed. Nothing is earned easily for either its players nor its audience, but that makes it all the more worthwhile.

Secret City premieres 8:30pm Sunday on Showcase.