By June Ramli
Perth, July 17: After watching the first two episodes of Mint, it’s easy to see why BritBox is backing this as one of its standout new dramas.
The eight-part series is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, transplanting Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love into the dangerous world of two rival crime families. At its heart is Shannon, whose blossoming romance with a member of the opposing family challenges generations of loyalty, rivalry and family expectations.
While the premise may sound familiar, Mint gives it a fresh identity through its distinctive visual style. The series blends live action with anime-inspired sequences and dreamlike visuals that add a unique, almost surreal quality to the storytelling. These imaginative scenes are paired with a strong soundtrack that helps create an emotional atmosphere without overwhelming the drama.
Emma Laird delivers a compelling performance as Shannon, bringing warmth and vulnerability to a character caught between family duty and matters of the heart. The chemistry between the lead characters makes it easy to invest in their relationship from the outset.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Benjamin Coyle-Larner, Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, A Knight’s Tale), Sam Riley (Control, Maleficent), Lindsay Duncan (Birdman, About Time) and Neil Leiper (The Angels’ Share), all of whom help bring authenticity to the gritty family dynamics.
Although the series revolves around organised crime, the focus is less on violence and more on the emotional consequences of love, loyalty and betrayal. The balance between romance, crime drama and visually creative storytelling gives Mint its own distinctive personality.
After two episodes, I’m already invested in Shannon’s journey and eager to see where the story leads. If the remaining episodes maintain the same emotional depth and visual creativity, Mint could become one of BritBox Australia’s standout dramas of the year.
Rating (after two episodes): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Mint premieres exclusively on BritBox Australia today.
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