The Slap

When NBC's star-studded version of The Slap appeared last year, many viewers weren't aware it was a remake. Seeing the original Australian miniseries, one is reminded of how some cultural idioms don't always translate when repackaged for American TV. Based on Christos Tsiokas' popular 2008 novel, 2011's The Slap serves up a Rashomon-like recounting of a backyard incident observed from the perspective of eight characters across eight episodes. The titular physical act happens at a 40th birthday party for Hector (Jonathan LaPaglia), whose cousin Harry (Alex Dimitriades) rashly swats at another friend's child after being kicked in the shin. In another age, an incident like this would have been brushed aside. But with enflamed personalities, the specter of abuse, and the shadow of PTSD looming around the edges, this relatively slight yet disturbing act sets the stage for a cascade of deeply affecting and rapidly escalating emotional reactions among the attending adults. Each presents his/her version of the aftermath of events with disturbing wrinkles that include infidelity, honor, betrayal, and dark family secrets that belie the superficial calm of a sunny suburban lifestyle. The Americanized version was an adequate drama, but there's something in the subtle distinctions of class, race, and culture that makes the Australian version more satisfying. Extras include a “making-of” featurette, deleted scenes, and social media clips. Recommended. (T. Fry)