As an avid fan of murder mysteries, I knew exactly which screening I wanted to attend at this year's Sydney Film Festival. The Killings at the Parrish Station! It’s an upcoming six-episode Australian drama series, and festival audiences were allowed to watch the first two episodes on the big screen.

Created by Ben Jenkins and directed by Daniel Nettheim, the series establishes itself as an intriguing blend of crime, mystery, and the paranormal. From its opening moments, the show creates an unsettling atmosphere that lingers throughout both episodes. The cinematography and colour grading are particularly impressive, successfully transporting viewers back to the 1970s and creating a visual distinction between the past and present timelines. 

In the late 1970s, five researchers working at the isolated Parrish Station became victims of a brutal attack. Four scientists were found horrifically mutilated, while the fifth survivor, a woman, was discovered alive but in a deeply disturbed state. Decades later, a copycat killer begins recreating the murders, forcing investigators to revisit the case. The story centres on this infamous cold case that remains unsolved nearly four decades later. 

Leading the investigation is Georgia Cooke, portrayed in the past timeline by Mia Wasikowska. Georgia is immediately established as a determined and intelligent investigator whose instincts push her beyond the official narrative surrounding the murders. Wasikowska delivers a compelling performance, making Georgia a protagonist worth following. The way she is always on alert and scans the entire scene shows she means business. Through her dialogue, she shows curiosity and a refusal to accept easy answers, making her central to the show's appeal. 

One of the series' greatest strengths is its dual-timeline structure. As the story shifts between past and present, viewers gradually uncover connections that bridge both timelines. For instance, the transition between younger Georgia (played by Mia Wasikowska) and the older version of the character, played by Heather Mitchell, is handled remarkably well. Despite being portrayed by different actresses, their shared mannerisms and presence make it easy to believe they are the same person separated by 37 years. We can see that, years later, Georgia still loves her daughter as much as she did when her daughter was just a kid. She still wants to fiercely protect her, even decades later, when her daughter is more than self-reliant. Mitchell's portrayal is particularly effective, conveying a woman whose experiences have left deep scars while preserving the intelligence and determination that defined her younger self.

The mystery itself becomes increasingly compelling as more details emerge about Parrish Station. Funded by the wealthy, secretive Parrish family, the facility researched the possibility of extraterrestrial life. This unusual premise allows the series to blend traditional detective storytelling with elements of science fiction and horror. 

Throughout the first two episodes, the show repeatedly foreshadows that the plot revolves around more than a typical murder case. Strange occurrences, flickering lights, and the unsettling behaviour of the surviving scientist create a growing sense of unease. Her repeated insistence that something is "taking root" inside her raises disturbing questions about what exactly was being studied at the station. These paranormal elements never overwhelm the mystery. Instead, they deepen it in a way that encourages viewers to confront the question of whether the true explanation lies in human actions, supernatural forces, or other unsettling factors. Another intriguing character is Mr Parrish, the station's owner. His secrecy and evasive behaviour make him an immediate suspect in Georgia's eyes, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already complex investigation. The series does an excellent job of keeping viewers guessing, carefully revealing information without giving away too much too soon.

While watching the show, I think the killer is someone who really wants to catch Georgia's attention, which makes me wonder whether it's the Talk show woman who saw Georgia as a hero and thought that the officials should have given her more time to prove her points. 

What impressed me most was how effectively the show maintained suspense. The pacing is deliberate without feeling slow, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally while steadily building tension. Not once during the screening did my attention drift from the screen. Every revelation seemed to raise even more questions, creating a sense of anticipation that carried through both episodes. Attending this premiere at the Sydney Film Festival was also a memorable experience in its own right. The entire cast was present for the screening. As a fan, it was surreal to realise that Mia Wasikowska was seated only one seat away from me! Watching the series alongside the people who brought it to life added another layer of excitement to an already engaging screening.

With its compelling performances, atmospheric visuals, and unique blend of crime and science fiction, The Killings at the Parrish Station delivers a strong opening. The first two episodes leave plenty of questions unanswered, but that is precisely what makes the series so difficult to resist. By the end, I was eager to uncover the truth behind the murders and discover what really happened at Parrish Station.

The series is set to premiere on Stan on 24 June 2026. After seeing these first two episodes, I know exactly what I'll be watching that day.

Reet is a third-year computer engineering student who spends equal amounts of time debugging code and analysing plot twists. With a love for mystery, science fiction, and all things storytelling, she enjoys turning her observations into engaging pieces that spark curiosity and conversation.