BBC Three has acquired Australian drama Barracuda from NBCUniversal International Distribution.
Based on the book by award-winning novelist Christos Tsiolkas, the four-part series is described as “a moving story about identity, obsession, desire, the dizzy heights of success and the terrifying risk of failure.”
Synopsis:
Melbourne 1996. The Golden Age of Australian swimming is beginning and a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school brings the talented 16-year-old Danny Kelly one step closer to his ultimate goal of winning Olympic Gold.
Danny struggles to find his place in the prestigious social circles of Blackstone College, worlds away from his previous school. The school swim squad are not keen to include him on their team, inside the classroom or inside the pool. However, under the charge of highly regarded coach Frank Torma and a friendship/rivalry with teammate Martin Taylor, Danny is soon on track to become Australia’s youngest swimming champion, the unstoppable ‘Barracuda’.
Soon, everyone has a stake in Danny’s success and as he swims closer towards gold, he finds himself being drawn into a world where the only thing that matters is winning.
When Danny gets his shot at victory, with all of Australia watching – can the ‘Barracuda’ live up to everyone’s expectations and realise his dream?
Directed by Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Balibo, Three Dollars, The Bank), the cast includes Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner Rachel Griffiths (Muriel’s Wedding, Hilary and Jackie, Six Feet Under), Matt Nable (Hyde & Seek, East West 101, Underbelly: Badness) and introduces Elias Anton as Danny Kelly.
The series was written by Blake Ayshford (Devil’s Playground, Tony Ayres’ Cut Snake) and Belinda Chayko (Secret City).
Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, said: “Barracuda is a compelling, complex and emotional drama – beautifully filmed and performed.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, added: “BBC Three has a rich history in offering drama that covers issues that matter to young people, Barracuda fits that mould.”