America’s obsession with Australia is on full display in Netflix’s latest offering, The Residence. This murder-mystery miniseries set in the White House follows the quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, as she unravels a crime during a state dinner. Drawing inspiration from the popular Knives Out series, the show injects humor and satire into the genre, making direct references to the films and even dedicating an episode titled Knives Out.
One of the major comedic elements of The Residence is its portrayal of Australian culture. The state dinner in the show is held in honor of a fictional Australian prime minister, Stephen Roos, played by Julian McMahon. The writers lean into stereotypes, with kangaroos, Kylie Minogue, and Hugh Jackman’s tap dancing making appearances. The depiction of Australians as clueless and horny may seem exaggerated, but it’s not far off from how American culture often perceives Australia.
The show’s portrayal of Australian culture reflects a broader trend in American media’s fascination with the country. From Crocodile Dundee to Outback Steakhouse, there is a tendency to romanticize and oversimplify Australian identity. While Australians may find these depictions amusing, they also highlight the disconnect between how the country is perceived internationally and how it actually is.
As an Australian viewer, watching The Residence can be a mix of amusement and recognition. The exaggerated stereotypes may seem off the mark, but there is a kernel of truth in them. The show’s portrayal of Australian culture, while comedic, inadvertently captures some aspects of reality. It’s a reminder of how our cultural exports are often reduced to cliches and caricatures on the global stage.
In the end, The Residence serves as a humorous reflection of America’s perception of Australia. While the show may not delve deep into the nuances of Australian society, it does offer a lighthearted take on the country’s cultural quirks. As viewers, we can laugh at the absurdity of the portrayal while also acknowledging the grains of truth within it. Perhaps next time, Shondaland can dig a little deeper and uncover the complexities of Australian identity beyond the surface-level stereotypes.
