Australian Drama High Country Heads to U.K.

High Country, a new Australian mystery drama from Curio Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, has been acquired by the BBC for BBC iPlayer and TV channels.

Based on true events, the eight-part thriller centers on detective Andrea Whitford, who is transferred to the Victorian High Country to investigate five missing persons who all vanished into the wilderness. While handling the case, she uncovers a complex story involving murder, deceit and revenge.

The series stars Leah Purcell (Wentworth, Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson), Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls), Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, A Place to Call Home) and Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish).

High Country is produced by Curio Pictures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television, in association with Rage Media. Sony Pictures Television is distributing the series internationally.

The drama is executive produced by Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner for Curio Pictures; Lana Greenhalgh and Penny Win for Foxtel Group; and Marcia Gardner and John Ridley for Rage Media. Pino Amenta and Sue Edwards are producers.

“With its eerie setting and tense atmosphere, High Country is a gripping new take on Australian rural noir,” said Sue Deeks, head of BBC program acquisition.