Bloom (2019–2020) User Reviews

Binge worthy....

[CarlaDeee · 8/10 · 3 January 2019]

I watched the entire season in a day, and yes I was hungover. However, it kept my attention the whole time and I got quite invested. The story - a flood devastates a small, country town in rural Australia and 5 people died. A glowing flower grows where they died and when eaten it makes you young. The storyline is driven forward tackling multiple themes and is both original and engrossing. The Acting - Superb! Every character is rounded, fleshed out and totally believable in their roles. The Production - Beautifully shot, a definite Aussie bush feel, a finely crafted production. Enjoyment - I was fully engaged the whole time. Rewatch/Recommend - I would not watch it again as it is at times quite heavy and dark yet I will recommend it. All in all, a stand out Australian production.

Interesting time waster.

[colingcole26 · 8/10 · 1 January 2019]

Worth a look. Once you reach episode 3 you be hooked. A small town in Victoria Australia is deluged by a flood. Where people perished in the deluge a plant with glowing fruit appear. It appears the fruit is the fountain of youth......but with consequences. It gets quite gripping as it goes along. 8/10

Push through Episode One, trust me.

[chelseatayla · 7/10 · 30 March 2020]

I nearly wasn't going to continue with it after episode one, but I pushed through. I'm thankful I did. It wasn't a masterpiece, but a few characters gripped me, others did not. I think it could have been condensed into 4 episodes instead of 6, as a few scenes (the entirety of episode 1) dragged out and were unnecessary to the plot. Overall, I enjoyed it. I'm hoping the upcoming second season will be slightly better, but the story felt finished so I'm intrigued with how they will continue it. Good quarantine/self-isolation entertainment.

Little room to bloom

[catherine-35345 · 7/10 · 4 January 2019]

Bloom makes a valiant effort at trying to carry a wafer thin script over 6 hour long episodes but comes up well short. Firstly the positives it is beautifully shot with top class cinematography, there are some nuanced preformances from the likes of Brian Brown and Jackie Weaver but the standout performance is Ryan Corr who steals the show with his multilayered complex performance, a true star in the making. Sadly Phoebe Tonkin does not have the acting prowess nor the script to make the character of Gwen anyway intriguing nor memorable but the weakest link acting wise is that of Max played by an OTT clunky cringing Sam Reid whom gives a truly hammy performance. The script could have been edited to four episodes as six is much too long for a dragged out premise. If there is to be a second series I hope Ryan Corr's character could be explored further a much tighter condensed series could figuratively bloom

Beautiful and whimsical

[somersullivan · 7/10 · 16 March 2020]

As an American, I've never seen a truly Australian written and shot show. The closest to that would be H2o.

I was drawn to the show from being a fan of Phoebe Tonkin, I was excited to see more of her work. I really found the show unique in the shooting, soundtrack, and story line. It has very different energy from any American shows that I'm familiar with. I really loved Ryan Corr. I hope to see him in more things, he stole the show. I also loved Phoebe of course, however her character was particularly confusing, she had two different sides to her, and it was never further explored.

There's plot holes and a lot of questions that could be asked, but for a casual viewer, the show is worth watching. I heard a season 2 is coming out. I'm not really sure how they're gonna be able to draw out the story more. I feel like it ended well. I'd like to see Ryan Corr and Angus back again. I want the gay guys to be together!!

Great Australian Drama with original plot.

[david-3165 · 9/10 · 4 January 2019]

Bloom is a great new piece of original drama straight out of Australia. From the opening scene I was hooked. While Australian stalwart actors Bryan Brown and Jacki Weaver give it some street cred, the young actors (particularly Ryan Corr) really steal the show. At only 6 hour long episodes it was easy to binge watch over the course of a day. The country town setting is very Australian. (Having come from one I can attest to that), the pace is great, with each episode ending on a cliff hanger. I also loved that it included a couple of same-sex couples stories with care and grace. This is one of the most original stories I've seen in a long time. Of course you need to leave reality at the door, so sit down, relax and enjoy the story.

Pretty good show

[earlofyork · 7/10 · 1 February 2021]

Decent concept and adequately performed. My only problem was the cheap special effect flower edible. It looks like someone invested five minutes in it's design. It is a plastic light reminiscent of a Christmas tree bulb. It seems that someone could easily have created an exotic alien like blossom with no resemblance to any earthly species. Pretty entertaing show regardless.

Sci-fi with heart

[ross-547-585754 · 8/10 · 4 January 2019]

Suspend belief and be transported to an idyllic country town in Victoria, Australia. The town is run down and many of the residents affected by a flood 12 months earlier. Slowly the story evolves to yield a complex web of connection between the main cast. The sci-fi is understated. No clever morphing or over the top blue screen special effects. This is old school film-making where the plot slowly exposes the frailities of the characters and their decisions to revisit their youth. The photography and settings are visually pleasing, the acting great. If you analyse the plot development too much it has a number of holes even if you accept the initial fountain of youth concept. A little too long, it is a commitment but worth the journey. I am not generally a sci-fi viewer, but this one captured me.

Sexy, strange, slow, great actors

[larsonkristina · 7/10 · 31 January 2020]

This show is just wierd, strange, and bizarre. I hate how slow it is. Especially in the first few episodes. It picks up after that. At first I wasn't going to watch this show based on some of the reviews I read. But I found out that some of the actors who I love from Packed to the Rafters star in it. Especially Ryan Corr, Phoebe Tonkin, and Angus McLaren. The actors and the acting are amazing. Then there are people kissing and having sex with someone who is 40 years older than them. 30 year olds with 70 year olds. The show is sometimes confusing like how do some of the characters originally find out about the buds in the first place? I binged watched the whole series in 24 hours just because I was curious and fascinated at how bizarre it was. And wondering if it would pick up in speed. Maybe next season would be better.

Doesn't go anywhere

[bogdan253 · 4/10 · 9 February 2019]

Several old people magically find themselves eating strange glowing berries they find in graves.

I pushed through the slow pace, but this script feels like it's written from episode to episode without any idea of a grander scheme of things. We get introduced to an important character for 5 seconds in episode 3, and she only starts doing something relevant in episode 4. Another character gets young by the end of the show and we're forced of seeing how he goes and meets with his old gay buddy. This adds nothing to the show, it's filler.

Most of these people that got suddenly young act psychotic without any reason. Some don't, without any reason. Some can't get young, no reason.

But it's a problem when the show builds slowly towards something and nothing happens. The ending leaves you with a feeling of "that's it?!" and it's not a personal opinion, you have no idea why and how all these things happened and why you wasted your time watching this.

Loved it

[rjoyce10 · 8/10 · 7 January 2019]

We went in to this without any spoilers and enjoyed the whole series over two days. Great established Aussie cast and some new talent too that only made it better. A believable tale with some Supernatural thrown in. With a look. We don't often give a high score like this.

It could have been told better.

[yasananlarim · 7/10 · 21 July 2022]

Season 2 was better than Season 1. This story was good, but it could have been told better. Some scenes were boring. Events could have been more meaningful.

It was interesting

[whatithinkis · 4/10 · 5 January 2019]

But it could have been amazing. Excellent performances, good story but LOTS of plot holes. STILL those were not the biggest hurdles. The biggest problem was casting Phoebe Tonkin in such a prominent role. That meant I was just annoyed over and over and over by her. Her skills are limited and so her character was never interesting. And Sam Reid brought nothing as well. Unfortunate. Loved the town. Loved the rest of the cast.

Innovative Homegrown Show

[feebee-96582 · 10/10 · 2 January 2019]

I love innovative creative unique well-acted shows and this one did not disappoint. Even better as it's an Australian Stan Original. The concept was mysterious and layered, the direction was whimsy with a soundtrack to match and all the performances were just superb, especially Ryan Corr. Loved it loved it loved it! I for one hope TV of this quality is the new direction for Australian TV.

Brilliant!

[ujjwolpradhan · 8/10 · 13 July 2019]

Better than most of the other shows that have come out in recent times. Aussie talent at its best. Good for a binge watch over the weekend

WAY TOO SLOW!!!!

[sheepgrazing · 1/10 · 7 January 2019]

We really wanted to give this Aussie show a fair go....but we watched 2 and half episodes and were bored beyond belief waiting for something to happen. So sad that it let us down.

Good but sleepy!

[henrycoles9 · 8/10 · 7 February 2021]

You'd think that a series about a plant that supernaturally restores youth to the ailing elderly would have a bit more exhilarating vigor and faster pace, but unfortunately "Bloom" is as sleepy as the quiet Aussie town it's set in. The cast aren't exactly that much likable, either. But the story is quite solid, the drama poignant enough for me and the adept highlighting of the plight of seniors coping with dementia and their caretakers very much noble and laudable. So I would declare the show pretty much redeemed!

Slow pace, not for everyone

[taedirish · 5/10 · 5 November 2020]

The general consensus amongst reviews is that this show is SLOW. I have to agree. Watching episode 1 was like pulling teeth. The plot was nonsensical and all over the place. There was a man stripping naked for seemingly no reason as he ran from the Mayberry-like cop. The man then goes on to break in to the cops house and sleep with his wife, wtf?? The premise of the show is nothing new, it's basically cocoon meets every other sci-fi resurrection show that's ever been made. I'd hoped being Australian would mean that it gained some sort of original spin but ultimately it did not. The show features a few recognizable faces but you get the sense they were just looking for an easy paycheck. The plot is insufferable and you'll be wanting to change the channel in the first 10 minutes. Some ppl may suffer thru and find it enjoyable but my sense is that most will be unamused and ultimately decide this show is not worth it.

Definitely bingeworthy

[dgott-362-518582 · 8/10 · 8 January 2019]

I liked it even though it's something that can't ever happen. Great acting and easy to follow. Found it both thought provoking and sad. Worth a look

A touching and contemplative story

[cjonesas · 9/10 · 2 March 2020]

Bloom is a series for everybody to think about their later years; if they are young, to use that youth to live a good, full and compassionate life; and if they are already of age, to feel realistically the nostalgia of their youth again and ponder upon their mistakes and good deeds once more.

It's a story about hope, greed and disappointment, beautifully unfolded and played simply and awesomely by the cast.

I already knew that Phoebe Tonkin was a very good actress; here, I understood that she is an outstanding actress. I got to see part of her old acting self that I missed so much. The one full of underlying emotions, vivacity, vitality together with her amazing smile.

In times, her haggard, distraught and frightened looks conveyed much emotions than a hundred words.

All the cast did a wonderful job, especially Ray and the young Sam.

It's a beautiful and wise limited series that's touchingly awesome as it is. Please finish it here, don't bring it back for another season. Hard to watch without Phoebe in it.

You know what I hate? TOKENISM

[steve-667-10190 · 5/10 · 8 January 2019]

A good premise. Cocoon meets Bonnie and Clyde. Hollywood and Aussiewood are both guilty of championing every minority cause. This one has them all. The minorities and the mentally ill are all ably represented in this well acted but horribly executed offering. I hate that it needs to happen. It doesn't represent an actual rural town. The Asian homicide inspector took the cake. Garbage. I like Bryan so it gets a 5.

Different

[carnstabba-55672 · 9/10 · 5 July 2019]

One of the best in years! Needs to be watched to understand why. Please let there be another series

A Tale of two seasons

[mnjonman · 5/10 · 21 November 2020]

First season: Great plot, acting, directing, writing, sound editing. Just a ten star program. Season 2: Watched half way through the first episode and wanted to barf. No hook to get me coming back for more. Bad acting, directing, casting, writing. Sad that so many changes were made to a winner of a program. Changes looked to be politically motivated. Do this or you don't get a second season type thing.

Seriously loved it

[sonderandwonder · 9/10 · 26 March 2019]

Really awesome and different concept The young new actors did awesome Love the country back ground

Brilliantly Atmospheric

[marydm-43470 · 10/10 · 24 May 2020]

If you thought the magic land of Oz was all glorious sunny beaches and endless rolling plains, think again. The Oz small country town, like its American counterpart, has achieved mythical status in literature and cinema as a universe all its own. This series grapples intelligently with this myth, both confirming it and questioning it at the same time. There's not a sunlit landscape in sight. The vast majority of outdoors frames are seen through the windows, literally, of gloomy interiors in which the inhabitants seem to spend most of their time. And such outdoors scenes as there are, are usually rendered in that gloriously overcast and pregnant greyish hue that is meteorologically such a daily event in the Oz 24-hour weather cycle. This brilliantly conceived framing and cinematography create a dark atmosphere for the triumphs and failures that are the lives of the characters. They wander about almost like ghosts, in houses and gardens of total delapidation. There's physical and spiritual malaise here aplenty. Of course there was a catastrophic flood here a year earlier, floods and fires being the defining catastrophic natural events of the Oz outback. Out of which life usually re-emerges, the Phoenix that won't die. But something weird is happening now, a life giving plant unseen before growing out of the muddy earth with life giving properties for those brave enough to ingest it. Or is it? Watch and find out. Watch WHERE it grows. A superb slow burn series that mesmerizes with its cinematic mood. The acting is off the scale, both the legends and the newer cast creating characters with that superb Aussie understatement. No histrionics here, just totally low key credible performances. The storyline becomes secondary to this powerful mood. The small country town is a unique place all its own AND a microcosm of humanity everywhere. Life can thrive after a catastrophe. Or can it?