This series extends both before and after where the book, and original film, goes. That's an interesting premise, but the execution is so ham-fisted that it starts to feel like a high-school production.
The series makes no bones not being a remake of the film, but it does attempt to recreate the mystical atmosphere of the original. But the fuzzy focus and arty montages are a poor facsimile of the originals. The series gets more explicit with the burgeoning sexuality theme than the film, throwing in some same-sex references and what appears to be a home-made sex toy for affect.
Extended fever-dream type sequences are so bad they're hard to watch. And the acting, particularly from Yael Stone and some of the girls is (unintentionally, sadly) hilarious.
The story itself has merit, and I can see how the script seemed worth the effort. But the translation fails on almost every level.
Natalie Dormer is acting her heart out as the headmistress with mysterious and salty past, but she's not enough to bring heart, or sense, to the show. Everyone else is chewing the scenery and looking like they wish it was over.
I'm a fan of the book and the film and was very eager to be a fan of this show but it lacks any kind of subtlety - it reaches the red-line of high camp but without the irony or humour to make it 'good bad'.
I'm so disappointed, mostly because in future years when people mention Picnic at Hanging Rock it's possible this wreck of an effort will be what comes to mind instead of Peter Weir's delicate and deft film.
Review of Picnic at Hanging Rock
