'I was obsessed.' Alycia Debnam-Carey on filming The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

When The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart script first landed on Australian actor Alycia Debnam-Carey's lap, she immediately knew this was a project she had to join.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart streaming on Prime Video is a series based on Holly Ringland's best-selling novel of the same name. 

"Seeing this was a story within the Australian bush and its wildflowers, plus that it was a beautiful drama centred on female relationships and dynamics, it jumped out," Debnam-Carey tells Mamamia.

"Then when I realised it was based on a book, I went out and bought the novel that same day and read it within a day or two. I was obsessed. The script like the book was so vivid, visual and sensory. I just needed to be a part of it."

Watch: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart teaser trailer. Post continues below.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart follows the life of Alice Hart. And for fans of the book, it's clear Debnam-Carey is the perfect choice to play Alice. 

After losing her parents in a mysterious fire, nine-year-old Alice is raised by her grandmother June on a flower farm where she learns there are secrets within secrets. But years on, an unearthed betrayal sees Alice forced to face her past.

One aspect of the storyline is Alice's experience of family violence as a child, and then as an adult. 

For Debnam-Carey - who plays adult Alice - she says it was important to explore difficult subject matters like intergenerational trauma with sensitivity. 

"Everyone is really great on set, you have a kind of intimacy coach at all times to make sure everyone felt okay during those confrontational scenes. It was about making sure we get each important moment across to the audience, but also ensuring it didn't feel like trauma porn," she explains. 

Throughout a lot of Debnam-Carey's career, her stellar roles have been in genres within apocalyptic or dystopian settings. 

Series such as The 100 and Fear of The Walking Dead have brought her a legion of fans - something Debnam-Carey says she is extremely grateful for.

But gravitating towards a coming-of-age drama like The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart was a genre Debnam-Carey says she was actively interested in pursuing.  

Image: Alycia Debnam-Carey as adult Alice in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Image: Prime Video.

"I've been cemented in such a genre-driven world for the last decade, which has been extraordinary and amazing and I've had an incredible time. But after 10 years, I was really longing to branch out and test myself creatively in a different way. 

And as someone who loves watching dramas, Debnam-Carey saw The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart as "the perfect next step".

Set against Australia's natural landscape, the native flowers and outback setting feel like a central character within the series as well.

For quite some time Debnam-Carey has been filming in America. So the opportunity to come back to Australia to act in this big-name drama immediately grabbed her attention.

"I've been missing home a lot, and I've been wanting to work back home for a really, really long time," says Debnam-Carey.

"We've got this extraordinary landscape in Australia, and it's very fundamental to who we are. Australian crews are incredible, then add on this extraordinary backdrop - it was a win/win."

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart also stars Sigourney Weaver, Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell and Frankie Adams.

Working alongside such powerhouse female actors was particularly special for Debnam-Carey.

"It really was this ensemble of extraordinary women. Even though it can be such a heavy story, being surrounded by these women brought such powerful female energy and inherent optimism."

Sigourney Weaver and a young Alice in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Image: Prime Video.

As for one of her most memorable moments from filming, Debnam-Carey immediately had something come to mind.

"Filming in the Northern Territory as a whole is something I'll never forget. We were so lucky to spend a month shooting there. I had never been to the centre, so it was a really magical experience," she says.

"When you're there, it's clear just how ancient the land is, and it's a feeling I'll never forget."

It's experiences like this that Debnam-Carey says is evidence of why we need to keep supporting Australian film and television. 

"Growing up, I was so exposed to American narratives and stories. It wasn't until later that I was exposed to Australian film, and how special it is. We have such an extraordinary wealth of talent in Australia, from writers, directors, actors and crew. We deserve to have a place on the world stage."

If this has raised any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is available to watch on Prime Video now, with one episode dropping every Friday until September 1.

Feature Image: Prime Video.