Top of the Lake -

Synopsis:

“Top of the Lake” is a moody and evocative crime drama set against the expansive backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island. The narrative revolves around the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl named Tui who is found pregnant and subsequently vanishes. Detective Robin Griffin, with personal ties to the town, takes on the case, leading her into a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and a culture of misogyny in the small community.

Main Characters:

Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss): The central character and a specialized detective brought in to investigate Tui’s disappearance. She is tenacious, haunted by her past, and driven by personal demons.
Tui Mitcham (Jacqueline Joe): The young girl at the center of the mystery. Her disappearance and circumstances spark the events of the series.
Matt Mitcham (Peter Mullan): Tui’s father, a local drug kingpin with a strong grip on the town and its secrets.
GJ (Holly Hunter): An enigmatic figure who runs a local camp for troubled women. She serves as a peculiar and sage-like character throughout the narrative.

Themes:

“Top of the Lake” delves deep into the intricacies of a small town’s dynamics, the scars left by traumatic pasts, and the pervasive patriarchy and misogyny affecting its inhabitants. It beautifully juxtaposes the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand with the murky waters of human psyches, corruption, and despair.

Rating:

4.5/5 – Critics have hailed “Top of the Lake” for its impeccable storytelling, brilliant character arcs, and outstanding performances, particularly from Elisabeth Moss. The series is praised for its rich visual imagery and its profound ability to intertwine the beauty of nature with the ugly truths of human nature. Some detractors, however, found the pacing slow or the narrative occasionally convoluted.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

TV-MA – Due to its mature themes, including sexual content, violence, and strong language, the series is designed for adult audiences.

Broadcast Details:

“Top of the Lake” was primarily broadcasted on BBC Two and SundanceTV. It debuted in 2013, with a subsequent season (“Top of the Lake: China Girl”) released in 2017.