DVD Review: The Slap

 

Based on the award-winning novel by Australian author Christos Tsiolkas, The Slap makes its DVD Debut on September 29, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. At a family barbeque in suburban Melbourne, a man slaps another guest’s unruly and disobedient child. Tensions run high in the family when the boy’s mother presses assault charges. A stellar cast including Oscar^® nominee Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda),  Essie Davis (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, The Babadook), Golden Globe^® nominee Melissa George (In Treatment, Amityville Horror), and Jonathan LaPaglia (Cold Case, The District) bring complex characters to life. The Slap provokes a fascinating dialogue on a controversial topic and the state of modern society. Also starring Alex Dimitriades (Ghost Ship), and Sophie Lowe (The Returned, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland), the series premiered on Australia’s ABC1 in October 2011. The American adaptation of the series aired on NBC in February 2015 and also starred Melissa George. This DVD 3-disc set features eight episodes plus bonus deleted scenes and a “making of” featurette ($39.99, AcornOnline.com). The Aussie miniseries is also available to watch at any time on Acorn TV, the premier British TV streaming service in North America at www.Acorn.TV.

Based on the award-winning novel by Christos Tsiolkas, this riveting drama looks at the consequences of one moment from eight viewpoints. Lies, secrets, and adultery come to light, and relationships are torn apart. This critically acclaimed miniseries won the Australian Film Institute’s AACTA Awards for best miniseries, screenplay, direction, lead actor, and supporting actress.

BONUS: Deleted scenes (32 min.), social media clips (27 min.), and a featurette about the making of The Slap (37 min.)

Street Date: September 29, 2015                            SRP: $39.99  

DVD 3-Disc Set: 8 episodes – Approx. 450 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2440-9-6                                                          ISBN 978-1-62172-440-7

Contains nudity, sex, strong language, violence, and drug use

My Thoughts

The Slap is a unique mini-series inspired by the novel written by Christos Tsiolkas. The story centers around a man who is taken to court after he slaps another person's unruly child at a family barbecue. Not only does it effect his life, but the lives of his family and neighbors. The mini-series is broken down into eight segments that give you a look at the drama from different characters' perspectives.

1- Hector's wife hosts a barbecue which is turned upside down when his cousin strikes one of his neighbor's kids.  He tries to break the tension with a little casual drug use to keep  his mind off his teenage girlfriend.

2- Anouk is having doubts about dating a younger man who is also something of a celebrity. The pending charges about the slap add to her anxiety.

3- Harry, the guy who slapped the kid at the barbecue, is dealing with a slew of anger issues.

4- Connie is seventeen and flirting with the much older Hector. She's also backing up the mother of the child who was slapped.

5- Rosie's insistence on bringing Harry to court causes trouble with her neighbors and even in her marriage.

6 - Magnolis is upset with the way the slap has divided his close-knit Greek family. He is starting to feel his age.

7 - Aisha was the host of the barbecue where the slap occurred and it's tearing her world apart.  She struggles to restore her reputation and save her marriage.

8 - Richie threatens to expose the relationship between Connie and Hector.


This series gives you a unique perspective on the line between child abuse and discipline and when that line is crossed. It also shows how lies and secrets can tear a family apart.  If  you'd like to watch this gripping new series, its available on Acorn Media and Amazon.