If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn mystery wrapped in emotional drama, Netflix’s latest limited series, The Survivors, is well worth your weekend binge. Premiering globally on June 6, 2025, this six-part Australian thriller is based on Jane Harper’s bestselling 2020 novel, and it’s already making waves for all the right reasons.
Set against the moody backdrop of Tasmania’s rugged coastline, The Survivors blends a cold-case murder mystery with a deep exploration of grief, guilt, and the kind of trauma small towns never quite bury.
What is Netflix’s The Survivors All About?
At the centre of the story is Kieran Elliott (played by Charlie Vickers), who returns to his hometown of Evelyn Bay with his girlfriend and baby in tow. But this isn’t a casual family visit. Kieran left 15 years ago after a devastating storm claimed the lives of three people: his older brother Finn, local teen Toby Gilroy, and Gabby Birch, a girl who vanished without a trace. And even now, the town hasn’t moved on.
Neither has Kieran.
The Survivors kicks into gear when the body of a young tourist named Bronte Laidler (played by Shannon Berry) is found on the beach. Bronte, a true crime enthusiast, had been poking around the town’s past, especially Gabby’s disappearance. Her murder sparks a fresh investigation, one that unearths secrets the locals had buried long ago.
Small Town, Big Secrets
Evelyn Bay isn’t your typical murder mystery setting; it’s quieter, more isolated, and soaked in a kind of collective sadness. The show makes you feel that weight. This isn’t just a case of “who killed who.” It’s more like peeling back layers of pain, loss, and denial. Everyone’s connected, and everyone’s carrying something heavy.
Kieran, for instance, is haunted not just by his brother’s death, but by the choices he made that night. His relationship with his parents (Robyn Malcolm and Damien Garvey) is strained, and he’s not sure where he stands with his old friends. When the investigation into Bronte’s death starts pointing back to that fateful storm 15 years ago, things get messy and emotional, fast.
Strong Performances Carry the Show
Charlie Vickers brings quiet intensity to Kieran, making him sympathetic even when he’s withdrawn or emotionally distant. Shannon Berry as Bronte is compelling, even with limited screen time, and her presence hangs over the show long after her character is gone.
The supporting cast for The Survivors adds texture and depth:
-
Yerin Ha plays Mia, Kieran’s supportive girlfriend, who’s trying to keep the family together
-
Catherine McClements is heartbreaking as Gabby’s mother, still holding onto hope
-
Thom Green plays Sean Gilroy, whose involvement in both tragedies slowly comes to light
-
Jessica De Gouw as Olivia Birch brings a quiet resilience to a woman still affected by her sister’s disappearance
The show also gets its law enforcement duo right. Detective Alex Dan (Johnny Carr) and Senior Sergeant Sue Pendlebury (Miriama Smith) aren’t flashy, but they get the job done with a grounded, believable presence.
Unravelling the Truth
As the story unfolds, we learn that Gabby Birch didn’t simply vanish; she was on the boat the night of the storm with Finn and Toby, something the town never knew. That revelation shakes the community’s long-held beliefs about heroism and sacrifice. What happened that night? Why did nobody talk about it? And why was Brontë getting so close to the truth before she died?
Eventually, all eyes turn to Sean Gilroy. The show doesn’t rush this reveal; it lets it simmer, building tension while exploring how guilt and secrets fester over time. Sean is exposed as the person responsible for both Gabby’s disappearance and Bronte’s murder, and the fallout is quietly devastating.
A Bittersweet Ending
The Survivors doesn’t wrap things up with a neat bow, and that’s what makes it so satisfying. By the end, Evelyn Bay has begun to heal, but it’s clear that scars remain. The town holds a memorial, families reconnect, and Kieran takes one small step toward letting go of the past.
It’s a gentle, emotional ending that doesn’t feel forced. Instead of fireworks, you get a slow exhale, one that stays with you.
Why You Should Watch It
If you’re tired of flashy murder shows that prioritise shock value over emotional weight, The Survivors will feel like a breath of fresh, salt-sprayed air. It’s beautifully shot, smartly written, and anchored by performances that feel lived-in. Plus, the Tasmanian coastline adds a haunting atmosphere that lingers in every frame.
This isn’t just about solving a murder. It’s about confronting the past, living with what can’t be changed, and learning, maybe, to forgive.
