Mel Campbell

Mel Campbell is a freelance cultural critic and university lecturer who writes on film, TV, literature and media, with particular interests in history, costume, screen adaptations and futurism. Her first book was the nonfiction investigation Out of Shape: Debunking Myths about Fashion and Fit (2013), and she has co-written two romantic comedy novels with Anthony Morris: The Hot Guy (2017) and Nailed It (2019).

Mel Campbell's Latest Articles

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The Clearing on Disney+ review: a juicy look at cults and complicity

Inspired by a real Australian cult, The Clearing is a satisfying exploration of trauma and ambivalence.

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Still: A Michael J Fox Movie’ on Apple TV+ – a beloved star’s unsentimental reckoning

Still celebrates Fox's strength of character as he shakes off showbiz bullshit, becoming more powerfully himself.

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SBS' Alone Australia brings us together in the wilderness

A reality show of who will last longest becomes a surprising observation of cultural history in SBS' Alone Australia.

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Review: The Messenger returns to depot without attempting to deliver

ABC drama series The Messenger foregoes a logical narrative for the sake of mystery.

Opinions & Analysis

Eurovision 2023 preview: could Australia win this weekend?

Australia’s Voyager has drawn the 16th and final performance slot in Semi-Final 2 – which is widely seen as an…

Opinions & Analysis

Great Australian Stuff on ABC: are we more than what we buy?

A new four-part popular history series tries to sum up the nation in the same way we fill up our…

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Wellmania on Netflix review: a comedy with drama at its heart

Celeste Barber is perfectly cast as Liv in this Netflix adaptation of the memoir by Australian journalist Brigid Delaney.

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Yellowjackets S2 review: these women might do anything

It’s exciting enough that a TV show tells its own unique story these days, but this is particularly rich, complex…

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Bad Behaviour review: malice, manipulation and hope

Stan's new show is astute about how keenly you feel every tiny slight, how much you crave approval, and how…

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Women Talking review: Sarah Polley understands the power of dialogue

The women of an isolated religious colony reveal a shocking secret about the colony's men in this gripping parable from…

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