The best part of "The Broken Shore" was the deadpan, wry humor of the local sheriff, "Sleepy" Joe Cashin. His banter with the hard-nosed attorney Helen was engaging, despite the fact that their romance seemed improbable.

On the downside, the narrative was exceedingly grim with systemic racism that blames the innocent aboriginal locals for a murder they did not commit.

The truth about the murder and the victim exposed the sad underbelly of the community that included monsters exploiting young boys.

Despite the natural beauty and the interesting locations, the film was depressing and unpleasant. This "shore" was indeed broken.

This was a very, very well made film. Great direction, super tight production, excellent cinematography with gorgeous exteriors of Southeast Australia. Wonderful performances and very well fleshed out characters, this was a intimate and very strong story that you just don't find that often.

It is not a typical Australian production. Having said that I tend to like Australian film a lot, but this was very different.

I highly recommend this movie, it felt like a very mature piece of filmmaking, very very well written and executed.

... although I didn't see it happen as I was distracted by watching (much of) this telemovie.

This was a competently created but by-the-numbers sort of show.

We have our hero for is an anti-hero, damaged goods, but well meaning. Not liked by the 'bad guys' in the police force but respected by his old boss.

And so on it goes. I assume a whyteboard session was used to created the original story and all of the boxes ticked to created a formula story.

Now, I should note that I am not a woman and I got the feeling that the target audience for this is more 'sheila' than 'bloke'.

Some have suggested that this set of characters be turned in to a series. It doesn't worry me. I wouldn't watch them.