Wentworth is an Australian series on Netflix about women in prison. It is similar to Orange is the New Black in that it takes place in a Women's prison, but entirely different when it comes to plot. The main character, Bea Smith, was in an abusive relationship with her husband and she tried to kill him. She knocked him out, tied him up in a car, and leaked a poisonous gas inside the car in their garage. Debbie, their daughter, came home and saw what she had done, so Be a panicked and took her husband out of the car. Debbie called the police and (lied) telling them that she thinks her father tried to kill himself. Bea went to Wentworth Prison and began learning how to survive in prison. She was thrown into the battle between Jacks and Frankie, a battle that represents a power struggle between young and old. The television series is so addictive because it is interesting to see the power struggles between everyone, not just the prisoners amongst themselves, but also the Governor and Wentworth staff. We also get an insight on both the prisoners' lives before Wentworth, and the outside lives of the Wentworth staff, making you wonder if there is much of a difference between the prisoners and the staff. Aside from the plot, the cinematography of the show is incredible. The lighting reflects the mood and tone of the show. When inside the prison grounds, the screen is slightly blue, as the picture is above. When outside of prison grounds in the present time, the screen is very bright and optimistic, but so bright that it is yellow and orange. When there is a flashback, the colors are faded to indicate that there is a flashback. Another element I found very helpful to the show cinematographically is the slow motion that takes place. This element occurs usually at the beginning of the show, and it tells the audience whose life the episode will revolve around, other than Bea's. The show is incredible to watch and follow, and is pleasing to the eyes. The acting is phenomenal and if you are anxiously awaiting the next season of Orange is the New Black like me, Wentworth is a great filler.
