Set in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait, The Straits portrays paradise’s darker side as it follows the Montebellos, an Australian crime family.
Placed before a backdrop of lethal wildlife, where dangerous natural species powerfully mirror the foreboding potential for disaster, The Straits is made up of all things a meaty crime drama needs: blood, loyalty, assassination and imprisonment.
The Straits reflects a recognisable Australian present while fictionalising the reality of respected crime organisations in Queensland – an underworld existing in the midst of a dense, magnificent ecosystem.
Notions of a complex setting ensue as the first episode, “The Proposition” begins with shots of family portraits, the ocean, nature, balaclavas, guns and an omniscient, desolate night road. While initially appearing to be Lost-eqsue, sans the high pitched ambience, The Straits introduces viewers to Harry Montebello, a British-come-Aussie crime lord who resembles a European mafia-man (it’s all in the gold chain), his wife Kitty – who, if North Queensland had a Real Housewives series would resemble Adrienne Malouf, feral puppy and all – and their three sons and daughters.
The initial drama stems from a familial power struggle, whereby Harry announces that his three sons and daughter must fight to be his heir. Kitty is appalled by this decision, as her background as an Islander dictates that their eldest son, Noel, should be appointed the rightful successor.
Premiering on ABC1 tonight at 8:30pm, the series adequately evokes the intricacies of a modern day drugs and weapons smuggling unit.
Thug Life.