New comedy horror series Gnomes understands just how delightfully daggy good Aussie TV should be
New Stan series Gnomes embraces the cultural cringe of Australianness in a way that’s thoroughly disarming.
Australian comedy horror series Gnomes brings a delightful dose of "daggy" humor to TV screens, reminiscent of classic Australian films and shows like Alvin Purple, Muriel's Wedding, and Dog's Head Bay. The show premieres on Stan, and it's clear to see that they're keeping this tradition alive. The series centers around garden gnomes, a seemingly bizarre theme that the show embraces with great humor and light-heartedness.
The story begins with Nazis attempting to resurrect a gigantic gnome queen in order to triumph during World War II. Fast forward to the small Victorian town of Nompton, where constable Arnold Kipps (Asa Butterfield) has to deal with the annual "Gnome-a-Palooza" being derailed when the evil gnome queen comes to life after Kipps touches her magic axe with his bloody hand. From that point, garden gnomes of Nompton become animated, causing chaos and committing gruesome acts.
The plot unfolds alongside a series of clichéd characters, each with their own personal stories. This includes a disaffected teen, a tough policewoman, an ex-girlfriend with unfinished business, and a housewife in the throes of temptation. The show may contain a fair amount of gore and coarse language, but it keeps its tone light and enjoyable, more akin to a kid's show like Round the Twist than a horror film.
While there is plenty of imaginative visual effects, the music is forgettable, and there are no grand cinematic elements present. The show has a distinct '90s/early 2000s feel, despite being set in the present day. With a runtime of only 30 minutes, Gnomes isn't overly burdensome, making it perfect for a quick, entertaining watch.
Despite its silliness and predictability, Gnomes is likeable and well-made, adhering perfectly to a 30-minute episodic format. The cast, including Asa Butterfield, Darren Gilshenan, Luke McGregor, and others, deliver solid performances. The show's aesthetic and tone are comforting, and it's clear that Stan has tapped into a nostalgic appreciation for 1990s Australian television.
Gnomes may not be groundbreaking or exceptionally high-profile, but it's a charming, well-crafted addition to Stan's library, offering a welcome dose of humor and escapism. It's available on Stan starting today.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
