You only have to look at the popularity and success of shows like Stranger Things, American Horror Story and Black Mirror to see the TV fascination with other-worldly stories certainly didn't end with the Buffy finale in 2003. From the thrilling to the bizarre, and the unexplained; there's nothing like a few spirits, mystics and creepy creatures to take a program from rousing to intensely gripping. Let's face it — we are experiencing some dark and uncertain times in our own realities, thus making such eerie storytelling more relevant than ever.
The coming-of-age best-selling novel Son of a Trickster by Indigenous Canadian (Haisla and Heiltsuk) author Eden Robinson has been made for the screen, and NITV is proud to announce that it will be the Australian home of the CBC Original Series, Trickster.
Newcomer plays lead role, Jared - a First Nations Canadian teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family above water.
Jared juggles high school, his job at the local drive-thru and his side hustle selling ecstasy, all while supporting his Mum, Maggie (Crystle Lightning), who self-medicates an undiagnosed mental illness and his unemployable Dad, Phil (Craig Lauzon) while also trying to attract the interest of intriguing new neighbour Sarah (Anna Lambe).
First Nations teen actor Joel Oulette plays Jared, the lead role in Trickster Source: CBC
Trickster airs 27 October on NITV Source: CBC
But when Jared starts seeing strange things — talking ravens, doppelgängers and skin monsters— his already chaotic life is turned upside down.
When Jared starts seeing strange things — talking ravens, doppelgängers and skin monsters— his already chaotic life is turned upside down.
The CBC original series is directed by Michelle Latimer (RISE, Nuuca), who also took on the role of Executive Producer, alongside Tony Elliott (Orphan Black), Jennifer Kawaja and Julia Sereny.
Tanya Denning-Orman, Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, says that the channel is thrilled to bring Trickster to Australian screens, as well as its co-creators.
Trickster is a CBC Original Series about strange occurrences happening to an Indigenous teen in his small village Source: CBC
“The incredible Latimer is reclaiming the narratives around First Nations people as creator and director of all six episodes and bringing talented Indigenous people into as many roles as possible in front and behind the camera.
“We know this unique coming of age story will strike a chord with our viewers, and we can’t wait to share it, and this history-making moment with our audiences.”
“We know this unique coming of age story will strike a chord with our viewers, and we can’t wait to share it, and this history-making moment with our audiences,” Denning-Orman said.
Michelle Latimer, Creator and Director echoed the excitement, having NITV and SBS On Demand delivering the series to Australia.
"We know that Eden’s amazing story and the stellar work of our cast will resonate for audiences there as they do here.”
Trickster premieres Tuesday, October 27 at 8.30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand.
