Obsessed with all things On Contiki? Same. Our micro-drama series is finally out in the world – it’s been a hard secret to keep, trust us – and at long last, we can actually talk about it.
If you’ve landed here wondering, “What’s On Contiki?”, allow us to introduce your next binge. On Contiki is our new short-form series that, while not quite the same as experiencing Contiki IRL, comes pretty close to the next best thing.
Four strangers. One Trip Leader. An epic five-episode adventure in Costa Rica, complete with drama, missed connections and, er, bum rashes, all set against a backdrop of lush jungle, sandy beaches and sparkling seas.
Go give it a watch here, then come back and get to know the cast.
Meet the faces behind On Contiki
Lucy, played by Mia Parsonage
Image source: Mia Parsonage who plays Lucy (right) and Kairavi Desai who plays Claudia (left)
Lucy is On Contiki’s leading lady, kicking off the drama with a blind-panic search for her suitcase. Said suitcase becomes the catalyst for bringing the group together and so begins their Costa Rican adventure.
Burnout, breakups, a burning desire to step outside your comfort zone and see more of the world… there are plenty of reasons to go on Contiki, but Lucy’s might just be one of the most affecting.
Sure, she’s a little guarded, but once those walls come down, Lucy’s the kind of person who wears her heart on her sleeve.
She’s played by Mia Parsonage, a London-born, Sydney-raised actor and producer whose recent credits include Disney+’s Coven Academy.
Best moment: Episode five. Surfboard. A quiet moment of contemplation in the sea. We’ll say no more, but have the tissues to hand.
Best line: “I’m a big traveller too; I’ve been to heaps of places.” Something about the way Lucy says heaps just scratches our brains in the best possible way.
Best fashion moment: The yellow bum bag deserves an honourable mention, but the oversized pink T-shirt and sports shorts combo in episode four (complete with fetching bike helmet) takes the crown.
Claudia, played by Kairavi Desai
Image source: Kairavi Desai getting a little wardrobe assistance in-between takes
“Which one of these says I’m hot slash over you?” And in just ten words, Claudia takes the crown as On Contiki’s relatable queen.
Warm, friendly, playful and, most importantly, supportive, it’s easy to see why everyone gravitates towards Claudia. She forges a bond with Lucy and quickly becomes the group’s anchor.
Claudia is played by Indian-Australian actor, producer and director Kairavi Desai – a multi-hyphenate, if ever there was one. She’s no stranger to the miniseries format, either, having starred in Touch, a viral queer series that racked up more than six million views on TikTok. You can also catch her in the Street Fighter film adaptation alongside Noah Centineo.
Best moment: Cutting a conversation short to snap a pic in the good light. We’ve all been there.
Best line: “I want to be more offline. Do we think Carousels are still a thing?”
Best fashion moment: The matching phone case and sling, obviously.
Joe, played by Kristian Leonard
Image source: Kristian Leonord (right) and Arcadius Fimone (left)
Look, it’s hard not to have a soft spot for someone who’s been Googling bum rashes on holiday. Thankfully, Joe more than makes up for his embarrassing search history with an approachable, slightly clunky demeanour that errs on the side of cute rather than cringe.
Joe’s Costa Rican adventure centres on his relationship with Samir, someone he’s crossed paths with before but can’t quite remember when or where. We’re not saying it’s Heated Rivalry, but it’s… intriguing?
Joe is played by Kristian Leonard, an Irish-born, Toronto-based actor with credits across film and television, including The Messenger and His Final Breath.
Best moment: The bum rash. Surely?
Best line: “I don’t think you understand, Samir. This is keeping me up at night.”
Best fashion moment: The ironic holiday shirt in episode five, worn while he frolics plays football with Samir on the beach.
Samir, played by Arcadius Fimone
Image source: Arcadius Fimone (centre), Mia Parsonage (left) and Kairavi Desai (right)
Be still our beating hearts. Samir is baby boy – or, to put it more professionally, a charming footballer who finds himself exploring Costa Rica after an injury takes him out of the game.
He gives major big-brother energy and his rapport with the rest of the gang, particularly Joe, is pretty special to watch unfold across the five episodes.
Born in Brisbane, Australia, Arcadius Fimone plays Samir. A model, actor and creator, you might recognise him from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Next up, he’s set to appear in the upcoming film Artistry of the Poltergeist.
Best moment: Braving his fear of heights on a zipline.
Best line: “Hiiii?” (Episode one. If you know, you know.)
Best fashion moment: His, ahem, beach attire in the final episode.
Nico, played by Shanice Wilson
Image source: Shanice Wilson (left), Mia Parsonage (centre) and Kairavi Desai (right)
Last but by no means least, meet Nico: Contiki Trip Leader and mother of the group.
There’s something inherently cool, calm and collected about Nico. She’s the kind of person you’d feel just as comfortable opening up to about your anxieties as you would chewing the fat over a cold beer by the beach.
Nico’s just got the vibe, you know? So, it’s no surprise that the actor who plays her, Shanice Wilson, is something of a vibe herself.
Nico is played by Shanice Wilson, a Costa Rican dancer from the Caribbean. Shanice has a whole host of talents under her belt, from fashion and modelling to fitness and cooking, alongside dancing and acting, naturally.
Best moment: Introducing the group to temporary tattoos made from fern leaves.
Best line: “You know, this is the only time I’d recommend a forehead tattoo.”
Best fashion moment: Without a doubt, the effortless beach look in episode five: a crochet skirt and orange sweater combo, finished with a matching bandana. Love.
Directed by Gracie Otto
Image source: Gracie Otto behind the camera while filming On Contiki
We can’t wrap things up without introducing the visionary behind On Contiki: Gracie Otto.
Hailing from a family of creative talent, Gracie is perhaps best known for her feature-length directorial debut, The Last Impresario, and her work on the Netflix hit Heartbreak High.
With On Contiki, she brings her keen eye for colour and visual flair to the vertical micro-drama format, giving our Costa Rican adventure its own distinctive look and feel.
