Set against the backdrop of a Japanese POW camp during World War II, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a sweeping, character-driven drama brought to life by director Justin Kurzel and starring Jacob Elordi in his first major Australian production.
Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the heart of the series lies in Jacob’s portrayal of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian army surgeon who becomes the de facto leader of his fellow prisoners after being captured by Japanese forces and forced to work on the infamous Burma Death Railway. The narrative unfolds across two timelines: Dorrigo’s brutal experiences as a prisoner of war in the 1940s and his haunted, guilt-ridden life decades later.
The story is as much about the physical and psychological horrors of captivity as it is about the enduring power of memory and forbidden love. Dorrigo’s relationship with Amy Mulvaney, played by Odessa Young — his uncle’s wife —serves as a lifeline during his darkest moments, with the memory of their brief but passionate affair sustaining him through unimaginable suffering.
Ahead of the series premiere, WHO caught up with the cast of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Jacob Elordi, Olivia DeJonge, Thomas Weatherall, and Simon Baker, to delve deeper into the heart of this Australian story.
Ella’s relationship with Dorrigo is so central to the emotional heart of this film. How did you approach embodying this complex dynamic?
Olivia: I was inspired by Heather Mitchell, who plays an older version of me. She is one of Australia’s finest on the stage and screen, and she has this dignity, wit, perseverance and internal compass about her performances. I knew that playing someone like Ella that that was something I wanted to embody myself.
She has this unwavering love for love, and she sees everything that Dorrigo could be, should be, and eventually becomes.
Ella’s story is reflective of so many stories of Australian women at that time. What is it about Ella’s journey that you think resonates so much with audiences?
Olivia: I think she’s an example that love wins, and her belief in this man and everything that he could be. I think it’s easy to understand complex love stories and complexity within partnerships, and I think that she embodies a forthrightness about that.
You’ve said previously that you read the original book as a teenager. Why do you think the themes in this series continue to resonate with younger audiences, especially considering the generational gap from when the events actually took place?
Thomas: I think at its core – and I think it’s something we kept in our mind throughout making it – is that it’s a story about love.
The circumstances, for Australians at least, might look very different right now to what they looked like in the 1940s, 1980s, and every era this book tracks, but I think that level of love is in many ways.
Whether it’s romantic or between the boys in the camp, that love hasn’t faltered or shifted if you choose to search for it or choose to embrace it. I think that’s something that everyone can continue to take away from it, and it highlights the strength a person can have in difficult times – especially for young people.
It doesn’t have to be a direct correlation, but it’s a challenging time in more ways, and finding your feet and who you are, and the strength to persevere, is always going to be prevalent.
Your character Keith has such a complex relationship with his nephew Dorrigo and his wife Amy. How did you approach portraying such a multi-faceted role?
Simon: It’s a strange relationship. When he shows up, it’s almost like he attaches himself to Dorrigo like he’s a long-lost son. At the same time, he also feels like he’s setting up his wife with Dorrigo, and he’s going to love her.
I think maybe – here’s a theory – Keith’s obviously considerably older than Amy and Dorrigo, and maybe there’s a fear that he doesn’t feel relevant, and that kind of excitement and passion about them getting on and being connected to that gives him a little bit more relevance.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North is inspired by so many true Australian stories, but what was it about the project that enticed you to sign on?
Simon: If I’m completely honest, I was really excited by the idea of working with [director] Justin Kurzel. I’ve been a fan of his films for a while, and the chats that I’ve had with him have been great, and then The Narrow Road to the Deep North came along and I was like, ‘Alright, I’m in.’
Justin’s good. I don’t think there’s a weak performance on the screen, and that’s the sign of a great director. It’s a really beautiful story.
The unique thing about The Narrow Road to the Deep North is that while it contains such universal themes, the story remains so distinctly Australian. What do you hope that viewers will take away from your character’s journey?
Jacob: Maybe an understanding of the duality of human beings. A better understanding of the nuance of good and evil.
Olivia: Agency. Retaining your agency. Be your own woman.
Stream The Narrow Road to the Deep North now on Prime Video from $6.58/month with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
