Amy Tonta

Melbourne

TV Writer at That Shelf

writer. tv & movie ethusiast. staff writer for @givingroommag / tv writer for @ThatShelf / private: @DALESC00PER

Featured in: Favicon

thatshelf.com Favicon

film-cred.com Favicon

antagonizine.wixsite.com

Articles

Pulse Review: Is Netflix’s New Medical Drama Heart-Racing or Dead on Arrival?

4 days ago | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

Recently, medical procedures have been the subject of much hype, with HBO’s new smash series The Pitt receiving critical acclaim and Grey’s Anatomy being renewed for its 22nd season. In typical Netflix fashion, the streamer jumps on board audiences’ love for intense medical dramas. Enter Pulse, created by Zoe Robyn, Netflix’s first English-language medical drama. With its focus on the staff and patients within Maguire Medical Centre, Pulse has endearing heartfelt moments and juicy drama.
The Holdovers: reflecting on the meaning of family during the festive season

Jan 6, 2025 | antagonizine.wixsite.com | Amy Tonta

Retail stores blast Christmas music as we shop for the presents we plan to give our loved ones on the special day… except some people might not have this privilege. Christmas is often represented as a time for joy and happiness but also allows an opportunity to reflect. A time to look at the year that has passed and most importantly the people that were beside us during it all. Who are the family and friends that shaped our year?
The Office Australia Review: It’s Fun but We’ve Seen This Before

Nov 9, 2024 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

Back in 2001, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s The Office was released in the UK. Following its success, the US released a version that went on to have a life of its own and became highly successful. So when the trailer for the Australian version of The Office dropped, it’s not surprising it was met with groans.
Hanky Panky Review: A Wacky Whodunnit Laced With Comedy & Horror

May 15, 2024 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

Hanky Panky opens up with a man running in a field of snow. Bright blue opening credits slap the screen, identical to the iconic title sequence from The Shining. The man brings out his phone in hopes of finding a signal, only to be murdered by a mysterious being. Who – or what – could that possibly be?
The Walking Dead: Dead City Review: New Encounters, Same Old Formula

Jul 23, 2023 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

The Walking Dead, at its core, has always been about the people. Robert Kirkman, creator of the original comic book series, made this very clear in the introduction to the very first volume: “With The Walking Dead I want to explore how people deal with extreme situations and how these events CHANGE them.” But with the show’s numerous spin-offs being greenlit, we have to ask; how many more stories do we need?
Deadloch Review: A Delightful Splice of Comedy and Crime

May 27, 2023 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

If you want to see two detectives quarrel, Deadloch is the show for you. Created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, the new Australian Prime Video original series is full of laughs and shenanigans. The show focuses on a murder that rocks the titular small town in Tasmania. We’re introduced to Senior Sargeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box), who is thrown into the investigation alongside a detective from Darwin, Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami).
How Xavier Dolan's Films Challenge the Nuclear Family

May 24, 2023 | film-cred.com | Amy Tonta

Xavier Dolan is one of Canada’s most notable directors. He was only 19 when directing his feature debut. His filmography is intimate and often personal, focusing on themes such as sexuality, love, and family. Realism is often the root of his films, allowing him to bring these universal themes into his works. In particular, his depiction of the family unit can be argued to be subversive, as it is often women written as the dominant figures in the household.
City On Fire Review: Interesting Premise Yet Slow Execution

May 15, 2023 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

It’s the fourth of July 2003, and a girl is found shot in Central Park. There’s a bullet to her head with little physical evidence and no witnesses. The question lies: who did it? The answer can be found in City on Fire, Apple TV+’s new original show based on the book of the same name by Garth Risk Hallberg. John Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who were both behind The O.C. and Gossip Girl, created the show, a mystery crime drama with an enticing start yet slow execution.
Barry Season 4 Review: An Enticing But Dark Farewell

Apr 14, 2023 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

Many consider four seasons not enough for a TV show. Others agree that a show should end at its highest point, and every thread should be tied nicely into a bow. Barry is a series that managed to conclude at the right point. There’s only so much running our lead, Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), can do. The stakes are higher in this fourth and final season, and the consequences of Barry’s actions have crept up on him. The life of normalcy that he craves is no longer within reach.
Class of '07 and The Friends That Keep Us Afloat

Apr 9, 2023 | thatshelf.com | Amy Tonta

The following article contains spoilers for ‘Class of ’07.’If reuniting with your classmates at your 10-year high school reunion wasn’t daunting enough, imagine being stuck with them within the confines of your school as the world floods. You can reminisce about the times shared, the familiar chatter and laughs that happened in the classrooms, but you’re also faced with painful memories.