We Can Be Heroes

We Can Be Heroes is an Australian mockumentary TV series that first debuted in 2005. The six-part series is written, directed, and starred by the multi-talented Chris Lilley. Known for his distinctive style of comedy, Lilley manages to create a powerful satire while exploring themes that reflect contemporary Australian society.

The exceptional dramedy is set up around the fictional Australian of the Year Awards, an accolade given to citizens who have made a significant contribution to the community or accomplished extraordinary achievements in their respective fields. The series takes a unique route highlighting 'ordinary' Australian heroes representing the best and worst of what Australia has to offer. What sets We Can Be Heroes apart is Lilley's ability to fit himself into five diverse characters, all nominated for this prestigious award, offering a unique perspective into their personal lives and what brought them to this point of recognition.

Lilley’s characters are remarkably diverse, each serving as a satire of several archetypal figures in Australian society. These include Phil Olivetti, a suburban dad with dreams of grandeur; Ricky Wong, an ambitious physics prodigy; Daniel and Nathan Sims, twin brothers living in rural Australia; Pat Mullins, who has a 'situation' with her knee; and Ja'mie King, a snobbish private schoolgirl. Each character is portrayed with great finesse by Lilley himself, contributing to an engaging watch that swings between humor and heartfelt moments.

Phil Olivetti is a Queensland cop who once rescued children from a jumping castle that was carried away by the wind. Despite his lame claim to fame, his attempts to be recognized as a hero creates several comical situations. Ricky Wong is a Chinese physics student trying tirelessly to make Australia a world leader in the field of science, while Daniel and Nathan Sims are totally contrasting identical twins dealing with life in a remote part of the country. Pat Mullins is perhaps the most quirky of all, determined to roll on her side from Perth to Uluru, a distance of hundreds of miles, to raise awareness for her disability. And lastly, Ja'mie King – perhaps Lilley's most known character – is a conceited schoolgirl who attributes her nomination to her charity work in a Third World country.

The premiere of We Can Be Heroes on HBO marked Lilley’s debut on the mainstream television stage. The groundbreaking satirical show was widely praised for its innovative style, and Lilley’s character work was also highly regarded. This bracing series navigates its eccentricities with genuine warmth, giving a distinct depth to each of the characters while ensuring there is no dearth of laughter for the audience.

Lilley's hilarious and touching writing perfectly navigates the thought-provoking themes, setting a refreshing tone that keeps the viewers engaged. His unique ability to weave both absurdity and empathy into the character narratives is remarkable. As the characters interact and their stories interlink, their struggles and eccentricities are exploited to layer an intelligent exploration of the concept of heroism and Australian national identity.

Each episode is serialized, diving deep into one character's life before converging all the narrative arcs for an epic finale. Aided by an exceptionally talented cast, plus Lilley’s diverse character portrayals and sharp writing, the show beautifully brings these characters to life, making them set in the viewers' hearts, long after they've turned off their televisions.

We Can Be Heroes, at its heart, is a hilarious yet poignant mockumentary that explores the concept of heroism through an Australian lens. Full of cringe-worthy moments, heart-tugging scenes, and subtle social commentary, the series boasts an incredible performance from Lilley, who effortlessly switches between wildly different characters. The series looks behind the veneer of everyday life to explore the depths of the human experience in an entertaining yet insightful way, making it a classic staple of Australian television.