The Slap

Based on Christos Tsiolkas' international best-seller, The Slap is a provocative and compelling eight-part drama series that traces the shattering repercussions of a single event upon a group of family and friends. It is a searing portrait of middle class life, and modern, multi-cultural Australia.

At a suburban barbecue a tight-knit group of family and friends celebrate Hector's (Jonathan LaPaglia: Cold Case) fortieth birthday. Food and wine flow, but when a fight starts between the children at the party, Harry (Alex Dimitriades: Head On) steps in and slaps 4-year old Hugo, who is not his son.

The slap ricochets through the group with devastating effect. Hugo's parents, Rosie (Melissa George: Grey's Anatomy) and Gary (Anthony Hayes: Animal Kingdom), are so affronted by Harry's assault that they call the police and take Harry to court. Lines are drawn and friends and family are forced to take sides.

As the story unfolds revealling each character's perspective, we see how the events surrounding that summer barbecue force them to face up to fundamental truths about themselves and their lives.

Also starring Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda), Sophie Lowe (Beautiful Kate) and written and directed by some of Australia's most renowned talent including Robert Connolly (Balibo), Cate Shortland (Somersault) and Brendan Cowell (Love My Way), The Slap is gripping viewing.