Safe Home (TV series)
| Company type | Television miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Founder | Anna Barnes (creator) |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Imogen Banks (producer), Stevie Cruz-Martin (director), Anna Barnes (creator) |
| Products | Television drama series |
Plot
Safe Home centers on Phoebe Rook, a communications expert who departs from a leading Melbourne law firm to join a Family Violence Legal Service (FVLS) grappling with financial cutbacks. Within the centre’s challenging environment, Phoebe is frequently confused for both a client and a lawyer by colleagues and visitors alike. Early difficulties arise, such as a security incident involving an anxious client, casting doubt on her suitability for the role. Concurrently, Phoebe becomes entangled in a homicide inquiry linked to the centre.
In Victoria’s rural areas, Diana faces increasing control from her husband Jon following his retirement. His domineering behavior intensifies until Diana resorts to extreme measures, including stealing ketamine to poison Jon’s horse before escaping to the city to stay with her sister. At the same time, Ry, a young woman fleeing homelessness and abuse, struggles with unstable relationships and job insecurity, illustrating the broader societal challenges addressed by FVLS.
Phoebe utilizes connections with a journalist friend to generate media exposure for FVLS, aiming to raise awareness about imminent funding cuts. This publicity awkwardly intersects with her past involving former partner Julian and his wife Grace. Tensions escalate when Phoebe crosses paths with the firm’s senior partner Priestly, hinting at external pressures mounting on the centre.
Cherry, a mother with limited English proficiency and PTSD stemming from domestic violence, faces legal hurdles and child protection issues. The storyline exposes Julian’s escalating abusive behavior and manipulation, culminating in a shocking murder-suicide that profoundly impacts FVLS staff and the community.
In the aftermath, Phoebe navigates public scrutiny and personal responsibility while Ry seeks assistance after fleeing abuse by her employer Xander. Eve, a pivotal member of FVLS, decides to step down but entrusts leadership duties to Jenny and Phoebe to carry forward their work.
The series concludes with a candlelight vigil symbolizing strength and hope as Diana, Ry, Cherry, and Phoebe unite at FVLS. Phoebe emphasizes the essential role of the centre in supporting family violence survivors and advocating for systemic reform.
Cast
- Aisha Dee as Phoebe Rook
- Mabel Li as Jenny Lee
- Virginia Gay as Eve
- Thomas Cocquerel as Julian MacDonald
- Antonia Prebble as Grace MacDonald
- Hal Cumpston as Max Kerr
- Chenoa Deemal as Layla
- David Roberts as Gerard Priestly
- Tegan Stimson as Ry
- Ian Bliss as Detective O'Connor
- Janet Andrewartha as Diana Thompson
- Oli Pizzey-Stratford as Logan
- Mark Mitchinson as Jon Thompson
- Arka Das as David
- Katlyn Wong as Cherry Yeo
- Yuchen Wang as Kelvin Yeo
- Sian Ewers as Sara
- Nicholas Burton as Xander
- Emily Havea as Jemima
- Peta Brady as Hila
- Sachin Joab as Luke
Production
This four-episode miniseries was produced by Imogen Banks, directed by Stevie Cruz-Martin, and created by playwright Anna Barnes. Drawing inspiration from Barnes’ own experience working at a family legal centre in Melbourne, filming took place locally. To ensure realism, legal experts and psychologists were consulted during production for research support.
Ratings & Reception
| No. | Title | Airdate | Timeslot | Viewership Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 11/5/2023 | 8:30pm | 82,000 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 11/5/2023 | 82,000 | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 18/5/2023 | 8:30pm | 61,000 |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 18/5/2023 | 61,000 |
Initial screenings received favorable feedback; David Knox from TV Tonight described it as "Among SBS's finest dramas in recent years," commending its thoughtful approach to the themes presented.
Accolades
| Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Best Drama Series | Safe Home | Template:Won |
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Safe Home – Aisha Dee | Template:Won | |
| Best Direction | Safe Home – Stevie Cruz-Martin | Template:Won |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Best Music for a Television Series or Serial | Safe Home – Helena Czajka | Template:Nom |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Best Casting in a Telemovie/TV Miniseries | Nathan Lloyd | Template:Won |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Best Casting | Nathan Lloyd | Template:Nom |
| Best Lead Actress | Aisha Dee | Template:Nom | |
| Best Miniseries | 'Safe Home' | Template:Nom |
| Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|