Essie Davis: Chameleon, Shapeshifter

Two completely different characters; one astounding actor

[For fans of the Miss Fisher series, and in response to the new Miss Fisher movie now streaming on Acorn, this review of The Babadook first appeared on my old blog in 2015. Whatever you think of Miss Fisher, Essie Davis is one hell of an actress.]

For the last few years, I’ve known Essie Davis only as the star of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Based on a series of novels by Kerry Greenwood, the Australian-produced show is broadcast here in the US on a variety of PBS stations. (For cord cutters, it’s also available through Acorn Media.)

I think the title is a bit cutesy and the plots are, unsurprisingly, often routine. But Miss Fisher is great to look at, sumptuously draped and furnished in 1920s dress and décor. It takes place mostly in the upper strata of Melbourne society, where “g’day mate” is rarely heard. No one plays Aussie Rules Football or cracks open a Foster’s. It’s typical of a well-woven British mystery. Once in a while, I think I might be wandering Midsomer County with Tom Barnaby.

But I know better, primarily because of Ms. Davis as the titular Miss Fisher: Sherlock…