The Clearing - Miniseries

The Clearing is intriguing and confusing at the same time.The Clearing is loosely based on a true story. However, the fantasy side of the story has gotten the upper hand. A shame in itself, because the actual story is already bizarre enough. The confusion in this television series mainly stems from the feeling that you as a viewer do not know and understand what is happening for a long time. This is partly due to the two timelines used to tell the story. The intriguing thing is that as a tenacious viewer, you want to know this. Moreover, the acting and the mystical side is interesting and good enough to persevere. You must be interested in psychological drama. The Clearing does not rely on action or speed.

You must be interested in psychological drama.

It starts with the kidnapping of a young girl. She is forced into a cult. Her hair is bleached white and she is taken care of by the children already present. One of the other children is made partly responsible for her 'upbringing'. Adrienne, the clique's mother, (Miranda Otto, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) proves to be a charismatic leader. Unfortunately, the kidnapped girl turns out not to be receptive to her charm. This makes the girl a risk for the cult. What follows turns out to be the catalyst for all the events that follow.



In the present time we follow Freya (Teresa Palmer, A Discovery Of Witches) and her son. Freya is clearly skittish and wary. She has had a traumatic experience. It soon becomes clear what experience this is. What is not quickly clear is what role she plays in the whole. This is gradually becoming clearer. Two different timelines are followed to tell this story. One story focuses on the violent events in the past. This has brought Freya and the other protagonists to the complex situation in the present.

What is the most important basis of the story are the mutual relationships. Freya has a clear and unhealthy relationship with Adrienne, but an enthusiastic and committed police officer also plays an important role. Freya appears to play a central role in the events. Something that is at the expense of her own psychological well-being. It doesn't help when old tormentors come to visit her. Only at the end does it really become clear what has happened. Beautifully built in itself. Unfortunately, the story is stretched a bit too much by adding extra elements that are not directly helpful. It provides a distraction from the thread in the story that is not necessary.



There is also positive feedback. The episode in which Adrienne's rise is told is one of the highlights of the series. The imagery of the series fits perfectly with the dark character. Australia is not the sunny desert for once. The acting is excellent. This applies to the actors mentioned, but certainly also to the rest. It creates mysticism, tension, irritation and pity. The psychological connections between the different people are well designed. Sometimes it is incomprehensible to someone who has never experienced anything like it. However, if you are somewhat aware of how psychological manipulation works and what effects this can have on someone, then you know that not everything that is portrayed is nonsense. Of course, sometimes it gets a little more magnified or accentuated.

The imagery of the series fits perfectly with the dark character.

Personally, I think The Clearing is quite successful. This is partly due to the unusual approach. It is clear that there are caveats to this. It is clear that this does not appeal to everyone, given the reactions, reviews and figures given on other forums and websites. Still, I want to voice a dissent because The Clearing has enough to be interesting. You have to pay attention to the psychology behind the choices made and the excellent acting. Because of the slow pace, a lot is asked of you as a viewer.