In an exciting development in the world of Australian television, it has been announced that actress Phoebe Tonkin will both star in and executive produce a new crime drama series called 'The Dark Lake.' The show is based on a novel by Sarah Bailey and will be produced by Brouhaha Entertainment, a renowned Australia-U.K. outfit headed by experienced producers Gabrielle Tana, Troy Lum, and Andrew Mason. This production company has previously delivered the highly acclaimed Netflix series 'Boy Swallows Universe,' in which Tonkin also had a role.
Although the details regarding production and financing have not been disclosed, this new series is already generating buzz among fans of crime dramas. With Tonkin at the helm as the lead character, Gemma, viewers can expect a captivating storyline that delves into her past secrets when she is assigned to investigate the murder of her high school nemesis in her small hometown. As Gemma navigates the complexities of law enforcement, she must reconcile her dedication to her work, her love for her son, and the allure of her own indulgences. The series promises to explore the moral dilemmas faced by a grief-stricken woman, showcasing the internal conflict between right and wrong.
'The Dark Lake' is adapted from Bailey's debut novel of the same name, which also serves as the first book in The Gemma Woodstock series. The book received critical acclaim, winning both the 2018 Davitt Award for Best Crime Debut and the 2018 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime. Bailey has since written two additional books in the series: 'Into the Night' set in the dark alleyways of Melbourne, and 'Where the Dead Go' based in a small coastal community. Fans will be delighted to know that Bailey is closely involved in the adaptation process and will be collaborating with screenwriter Becca Johnston, whose recent credits include feature films like 'Addition' and 'Ascent.'
Phoebe Tonkin, no stranger to the small screen, is best known for her standout performances in popular shows such as 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'Babylon,' and 'Safe Harbour.' Her role in the recent 'Boy Swallows Universe,' where she portrayed a mother and recovering drug addict, further showcased her versatility as an actress. Tonkin's portrayal of Gemma Woodstock is highly anticipated, as her previous work has captivated audiences and garnered a dedicated fanbase.
Speaking about Tonkin's casting, Troy Lum expressed his excitement, stating, 'We have been waiting for years to find the actress that could play Gemma Woodstock. She is feisty, complex and brilliant and has a loyal fanbase of readers. Phoebe's performance in 'Boy Swallows Universe' blew us away, and we knew we finally had an actress who could do Gemma justice.' Tonkin herself shared her enthusiasm, saying, 'I had such a wonderful collaborative experience on 'Boy Swallows Universe,' and I'm excited to continue this creative relationship with 'The Dark Lake'.'
With financial backing from U.K. investor Calculus Creative Entertainment, Brouhaha Entertainment has a proven track record of producing high-quality content. Their upcoming projects include Karim Ainouz's first English-language film 'Firebrand' and the New Zealand-set action feature 'The Convert,' starring Guy Pearce, which is currently in post-production.
While the series has yet to reveal its director or a broadcast or streaming partnership, the pairing of Phoebe Tonkin, Sarah Bailey's thrilling source material, and the talented team at Brouhaha Entertainment undoubtedly creates a recipe for success. Crime drama enthusiasts, fans of Tonkin's previous work, and those who appreciate engaging storytelling will surely have their eyes peeled for more news about 'The Dark Lake.'
