The Survivors Netflix Australian Drama (2025) Review – Tony Ayres & Jane Harper Adaptation
A suspenseful six-part miniseries exploring grief, secrets, and a chilling murder mystery set on the Tasmanian coast
Released on Netflix on 6 June 2025, “The Survivors” is an Australian drama miniseries created by Tony Ayres, based on Jane Harper’s bestselling 2020 novel. Here's everything you need to know.
The Survivors Netflix Australian Crime Thriller Review
Set in the hauntingly beautiful but emotionally scarred town of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, The Survivors follows Kieran Elliott (Charlie Vickers), who returns to his hometown 15 years after a devastating storm that took the lives of his brother and a close friend. The emotional scars of the past are reopened when another young woman is found dead on the beach, kicking off a fresh investigation that unearths long-buried secrets.
The six-episode Netflix original limited series masterfully blends psychological drama, coastal gothic mystery, and character-driven suspense, making it a standout Australian thriller in 2025.
Why The Survivors is One of the Best New Australian Series on Netflix
- Adapted from Jane Harper’s
acclaimed novel
The show stays faithful to Harper’s brooding style and layered mystery while adding cinematic depth through stunning visuals of Tasmania’s coastal cliffs and caves. - Directed by Tony Ayres (Clickbait,
Stateless)
Ayres brings his signature emotional tension and social complexity, describing the series as “a family melodrama disguised as a murder mystery.” - Brilliant performances by the
cast
Charlie Vickers leads a talented ensemble featuring Robyn Malcolm, Damien Garvey, Yerin Ha, Shannon Berry, and Catherine McClements. Each character feels deeply real and emotionally textured.
The Plot: Secrets, Grief, and a Town Haunted by the Past
When Kieran returns with his wife Mia (Yerin Ha) and infant daughter, he must navigate old tensions with locals who still blame him for the deaths from that fateful storm. The town is still grieving the earlier disappearance of Gabby Birch, and when Bronte, a visiting blogger, turns up dead, suspicion once again ripples through the community.
What begins as a simple homecoming evolves into a complex murder mystery filled with red herrings, community trauma, and generational guilt. The storyline escalates towards a shocking ending, revealing that Gabby died during a fight with Sean, and her father Julian helped cover it up. Bronte's murder ties directly into that truth being threatened.
Stunning Location: Tasmania as a Character
Filmed in Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania, the natural environment plays a critical role in setting the eerie tone. The remote beaches, rocky cliffs, and dark sea caves create a gothic backdrop that mirrors the emotional darkness of the characters. For fans of location-rich dramas like Broadchurch, this visual atmosphere will feel familiar yet fresh.
Critical Praise & Viewer Ratings
- The Guardian calls it “a murder mystery so intense you’ll watch through your fingers” – ★★★★☆
- Time Magazine praises the “taut narrative and powerful climax”
- Rotten Tomatoes users rate it 4/5, citing strong writing and emotional depth
- Screenhub highlights “a gripping mystery let down only by flat supporting characters”
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch The Survivors on Netflix?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of intelligent mysteries, slow-burning suspense, and character-driven storytelling, The Survivors will not disappoint. The combination of gripping narrative, deep emotional themes, and stunning Tasmanian visuals makes it one of the best new Australian dramas on Netflix in 2025.