A fresh take on Australian storytelling: ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’
A road trip through the heart of Australia
Thou Shalt Not Steal, an upcoming Australian series, recently premiered three of its eight episodes at the Toronto International Film Festival. This series promises an entertaining road trip that cleverly weaves an Aboriginal tale with humor and a plethora of instantly recognizable Australian stereotypes.
Set to release on October 17 on the Australian streaming platform Stan, the series is packaged as eight half-hour episodes. International rights are managed by DCD Rights.
Through the eyes of a young rebel
The story is told through the perspective of Robyn, a young Aboriginal delinquent woman portrayed by Sherry-Lee Watson, known for her role in “Heartbreak High.” The series takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through a 1980s medley of toxic masculinity, functioning alcoholics, barbecues, reverence for the Outback, and the quiet wisdom of the indigenous population.
Robyn, along with an awkward white teenager played by Will McDonald, also from “Heartbreak High,” flees her small central desert community in a stolen taxi. Hot on their heels are a snake-like ex-hooker and the boy’s domineering father, a fraudulent preacher. These older characters are gleefully brought to life by Noah Taylor (“Peaky Blinders,” “Game of Thrones”) and Miranda Otto (“The Clearing,” “Talk to Me”).
A story born from personal experiences
Director Dylan River shares that the story draws from his experiences growing up in Alice Springs, albeit with an ’80s twist. River, the son of Warwick Thornton and producer Penelope McDonald, is considered film royalty in Australia. He has previously directed “Mystery Road: Origin” and brings a rich history and cinematic opportunity to this new series.
River explains that the story originated from a series he created called “Robbie Hood” for SBS. He wanted to maintain the tone but extend the narrative. Setting the story in the 1980s allowed him to avoid modern storytelling constructs like mobile phones, which he considers a cop-out in storytelling.
A nostalgic connection to the ’80s
Although born in 1992, River grew up hearing stories about the ’80s from his family. His father, who was a teenager in the ’80s, along with his uncles and aunties, often shared tales of their youthful escapades. River felt a kinship with that generation and wished he had been around during those times, especially in Central Australia, which he describes as a lawless, fun, and often illegal space.
The creative process
The script development process for “Thou Shalt Not Steal” was initially slow but gained momentum once the show found public and private sector backers. During the COVID lockdown, River wrote a 300-page treatment about Robyn and her road trip between Alice Springs and Adelaide. The treatment evolved, but it laid the foundation for the locations, characters, and episodic structure.
Working with Tanith Glynn Maloney, the show’s co-screenwriter, co-creator, and executive producer, River brought in perspectives from people older than him and those who could add a female viewpoint. The process accelerated once they secured funding, leading to an intense period of scriptwriting.
Tackling serious themes with humor
The 1980s setting and Robyn’s escape from juvenile detention bring the story close to Australia’s shameful “Stolen Children” era. However, River deliberately approaches the subject with humor, larger-than-life characters, and instantly recognizable setups. He believes that using comedy makes the series more accessible to a wider audience, allowing it to reach people who might not typically watch an Aboriginal, indigenous drama.
River acknowledges that the series is intentionally cheesy, self-aware, and over-the-top at times. He hopes that viewers will find the twists and turns unexpected and enjoyable. The goal is to hook viewers with humor and keep them engaged for the ride.
A promising reception
The series premiered three episodes at the Toronto International Film Festival, which served as the setup for the remaining five episodes. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences laughing and clapping.
Produced by Ludo Studio with executive producers Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Sophie Miller, and Sam Moor, alongside Since 1788 Productions, the series received major production investment from Screen Australia. Additional support came from the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Territory, and Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital, and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive.
Thou Shalt Not Steal is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and poignant storytelling. For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Thou Shalt Not Steal.