Hursto's five minute films

Wednesday, 1 August 2018

August 2nd

The Wife
The Breaker Upperers
Dr Knock
The Last Suit
Melbourne International Film Festival - MIFF

Tonight's the big one - opening night of MIFF. While nothing I say would influence anyone, as the die-hards have already booked themselves out with countless films, I have been lucky to preview a few and will put my two bob's worth in. As well I've caught up with a number of latest releases for those eschewing festival mania and looking for an outing to their local cinema.

The Wife
Director: Bjorn Runge
Length: 100 min

Joan (Glenn Close) and Joe (Jonathan Price) have been married for over 40 years. He is about to receive a major prize for literature, and she, ever the supportive wife, calm and elegant in his shadow, is obviously delighted. Or is she? This is yet another timely story in an era of increasing scrutiny of women's role and recognition in what still seems to be a man's world. The stand-out in this film is Close's performance, which is something to be relished. The nuances of her facial expressions, and the subtle portrayal of her well-disguised thoughts are simply brilliant. Other fascinating themes emerge: Joe's masculine ego causing him to be critical of his son's literary aspirations; the role of a prying biographer (Christian Slater), hoping to unearth secrets, but most of all the unspoken dynamic between husband and wife - one in which she has been virtually complicit in a secret that she can no longer live comfortably with. Though there is little ground-breaking in the plot, Close could well be an early Oscar contender, and it's a definite watch to admire such a tour de force.
4 - highly recommended!

The Breaker Upperers
Director: Madeleine Sami & Jackie van Beek
Length: 85 min

Jen (van Beek) and Mel (Sami) are thirty-something women, close friends and running a business that is quite the opposite of a dating agency. The perform a service for people who want to break up but don't quite know how to go about it. Modus operandi vary - among them posing as police who telling one partner the other has died; other times they play "the other woman", sealing the demise of the relationship. Being a fan of New Zealand comedy, I had high hopes for this one, but to be blunt it didn't really tickle my funny bone. The acting talent isn't the problem - for me it's the lack of really strong jokes in the story line. Chemistry between the two lead women is strong, and their droll patter and style of relating to each other works well. But Cecilia Pacquola as an aggrieved partner overplays her hand, while the affair between 17-year-old rugby player Jordan (James Rolleston of Boy and Pork Pie fame) and double-his-age Mel is not only tacky but unbelievable. But, as I always say, one gal's comedy is another's ho-hum, and critiquing material for laughs is a highly subjective matter.
2.5 - maybe!

Dr Knock
Director: Lorraine Levy
Length: 113 min

Marseilles thug Knock (Omar Sy) flees petty crims pursuing him for a gambling debt by taking a shipboard job as a doctor, though he has no training. Five years later we meet him, fully qualified, taking up a position in an idyllic French village (cue gorgeous cinematography). The outgoing doctor has had few patients, but Knock sees an opportunity - offer free consultations, convince people they are ill, and split the proceeds with the local pharmacist. Things go swimmingly until the local priest gets suspicious, Knock falls in love, and someone from his dubious past turns up. Apparently this tale was written as a satirical theatre piece back in the 1920s, and has been adapted several times. Thematically it alludes to hypochondria and powers of suggestion, and this modern version (set in the 1950s) strongly foreshadows medicine and pharmaceuticals as business propositions. (Really? Who'd have thought!) Little or no satirical feel is evident, while the film sports large plot holes and employs many stereotyped characters.Despite criticisms it is an amiable and amusing story which I enjoyed more than my rating indicates. Sy is such a charismatic actor and his character so likeable (despite his roguery) that I've cut the film some slack.
2.5 - maybe!

The Last Suit
Director: Pablo Solarz
Length: 93 min
Exclusive to Elsternwick Classic, Belgrave Cameo and Lido Hawthorn

Abraham Bursztein (Miguel Angel Sola) is an 88-year old Holocaust survivor who now lives in Argentina and works as a tailor. On the eve of his kids placing him in a nursing home he does a runner, heading to Europe to track down a man who helped him survive the war and to whom he made a promise so long ago. This is yet another excellent film from the Jewish International Film Festival that is getting a broader release, and rightly so. It is infused with gentle humour and deep emotion. Abraham's determination to never set foot on German soil again makes for some interesting narrative moments. Sola's award-winning performance is superb, capturing the ingrained pain, anger and trauma so familiar in Holocaust films. And yet he is a man still with drive and zest for life. The film is beautiful, gentle yet powerful.
4 - highly recommended!

Melbourne International Film Festival
August 2-19
www.miff.com.au

Devotees of MIFF don't need me to tell them what a fabulous array of films are on offer. As well as the usual headlining films, Australian premieres, international feature, documentaries, galas and more, there is a special event worth mentioning at the Astor theatre. A 737-minute overnight marathon sees seven Nicolas Cage films being screened. The Cage-a-thon is unmissable for fans of the controversial actor. Meantime, a few I've caught so far, and well worth recommending are:
The Rape of Recy Taylor: In the era of #Black Lives Matter and #Me Too, this is a timely doco about a ghastly crime that took place in Alabama in 1944. As so often happened, white men got away with it, but the determination of Taylor and her family to fight for justice remains an inspiration in today's world. This is a wonderfully constructed doco with recollections, archival footage, and current commentary on issues of equality and black rights. (Aug 13th, 16th)
The Eyes of Orson Welles: This latest doco is already considered a defining work about one of the greatest film personalities of the 20th century. It has just won the Golden Eye documentary prize at Cannes. Director Mark Cousins is given access to a box of notes, letters, and sketches by Welles. In a fascinating filmic device, he speaks to Orson, commentating and asking questions about the great man's career, politics, love life and more - all interspersed with Welles' film clips. A must-see for fans. (Aug 6th & 19th)
Tigers are not Afraid: As part of MIFF's Night Shift (late night, scary, genre and weird stuff), this Mexican film tells the story of a group of kids, orphaned by the drug wars, and struggling to stay alive on the streets. The strong female protagonist, Estrella, has double trouble, as she flees a ruthless gang while the ghost of her mother haunts her. A rivetting combination of social realism, strong emotion, and supernatural elements, with compelling performances from the kids. (Aug 11th, 18th)
Strange Colors: For a look at the tough Aussie blokes who live out bush and mine opals, go no further than this unusual mood piece. Max's daughter Melina takes time from her studies to visit her dad, and discovers more about the outback blokes than she imagined. This is visually sumptuous, making use of breath-taking sunsets, and stark outback loneliness. Not a lot happens - it is definitely about atmosphere and unspoken feelings, but it certainly held my interest. (Aug 15th, 17th)
The festival is, as always, highly recommended!

Thursday, 26 July 2018

July 26th

RBG
Whitney

More films have released this week than I've managed to preview, so today only two, but again two worthy offerings! Interestingly, both are documentaries. Meantime Melbourne is gearing up for the film frenzy that is MIFF, and I'm desperately trying to get together a couple of recommendations for you.

RBG
Director: Ol Parker
Length: 114 min

In an era where the voices of women are (hopefully) becoming stronger, the contribution of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the cause is nothing short of phenomenal. In this exhilarating and inspiring biopic we meet one of the currently serving justices of the US Supreme Court, one of only four women ever elevated to the position. The film traces her life's journey, interspersing old footage with present day interviews and opinion.With luminaries like Bill Clinton and Gloria Steinem adding to the talking heads, along with Ruth herself front and centre, this is an eye-opener into a world where a seemingly shy woman has used her brain and perseverance to get to the top and influence many judicial matters to do with equality. When she speaks, her measured but forceful manner, especially in contrast to her diminutive physicality, is magnetic. She has almost become a pop-icon with young thinking people dubbing her "Notorious RBG", and whenever she has a dissenting opinion in the Supreme Court, social media is ablaze with chatter. There are the odd humorous moments in which some of her friends express their total awe of her. The film sure leaves me in awe.
4 - highly recommended!

Whitney
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Length: 120 min

Most people know the name Whitney Houston, the number one female recording artist ever, with seven No. 1 consecutive hits and 200 million record sales. We know she died at the too-young age of 48 from drug-related causes. This in-depth doco reveals much more, tracking her young life, the arc of her success, her controversial marriage to Bobby Brown, and her ultimate self-destruct. The story is told through frank and revealing interviews with friends, family and professional colleagues. At time the stories are contradictory and smacking of hidden secrets. McDonald and his production team have made brilliant use of extraordinary archival footage, both public and intimate. Some of it quite damning, revealing the highs and tragic lows of the super-star's life, but at all times maintaining a compassionate stance. Sometimes the chronology gets a trifle confusing, jumping around in time, but throughout her phenomenal voice and beauty are showcased. Even if you were never a major fan, this is an excellent doco that is both a treat for music lovers, and a revelation of a life scarred by trauma and possibly the pressure of too much fame.
4 - highly recommended!

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

July 19th

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
The Gospel According to Andre
Brothers' Nest
See You up There
Scandinavian Film Festival

Lunacy prevails! Yesterday I saw FOUR films in one day. That's the self-sacrificial dedication involved in a catching-up frenzy. Some of what I review today has been out a while, but being strong films, they are still on the circuit. Catch them while you can. The two new ones are chalk and cheese: mainstream fun and a powerful French drama. And what would life be without a festival? This time it's the best from the Nordic countries.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Director: Ol Parker
Length: 114 min

Guilty confession time: I had a great time with this slightly silly, relentlessly upbeat and ultimately joyful sequel to the first film, both movies based around the music of Abba and set on an imaginary Greek island (though it was filmed in Croatia). This time we find out all about Donna's wild teenage years (played as an adult in the first film by Meryl Streep, and here by the lovely Lily James). We discover the background to the romances with the three "fathers" of Sophie, Donna's daughter. The story toggles between flashbacks of Donna's hippie years, and the present, in which Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is undergoing life-changing events. The film is bristling with one infectious song after another and dance numbers almost good enough for Bollywood. The appearance of Cher as the platinum blonde Grandmother is a winner, as is the return of the three dads, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard. The young men chosen to play these guys in their youth(s), are perfectly cast. You can choose to look down on mainstream fare like this, or simply surrender and go along for the ride, which is pretty well guaranteed to put a big smile on your face. (great to see Andy Garcia ageing so nicely too!)
3.5 - well recommended!

The Gospel According to Andre
Director: Kate Novack
Length: 93 min

Few people would have expected a poor black kid from the segregated south to grow up to be a highly esteemed trendsetter of the fashion world. Yet this is what happened to larger-than-life personality Andre Leon Tully. This entertaining doco traces Andre's life, and showcases his personal philosophies of fashion, style, racial issues and more. You don't have to be a fashionista to be intrigued by this guy and his extraordinary story. The film cleverly weaves in many connections, from how the black southern churches influenced Andre's lifelong concept of style, how his strict grandmother taught him elegance and etiquette, and in some very poignant moments how his eccentric presentation has caused him pain. With fabulous fashion, as well as glimpses of Andre's friendship with other icons such as Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour, this is an entertaining piece of cinema.
3 - recommended!

Brothers' Nest
Director: Clayton Jacobson
Length: 97 min

Two brothers Terry (Shane Jacobson) and Jeff (Clayton Jacobson) return to their childhood home in the country with one evil intent - to murder their step-dad Roger (Kim Gyngell) and prevent their dying mother from leaving the home to him. This is a very black comedy-thriller, with the emphasis more on darkness than laughs. Yes, there is a certain dry amusement in the increasingly tense way in which the brothers relate and the inanity and illogicality of their plan. But as the plot progresses a serious revelation of fraught and credible family dynamics emerges, and the tension really ramps up. The Jacobson's are excellent actors, and if you only think of Shane as amiable plumber Kenny, think again. He plumbs emotional depths in his performance, with both lead characters being well-written and portrayed. The overall atmosphere and setting are broody and tense, with an effective soundtrack, and a winning final line of dialogue to listen out for!
3.5 - well recommended!

See You up There
Director: Albert Dupontel
Length: 117 min

Truckloads of awards have gone to this French drama, the story of a friendship forged in war, and continued in crime. At the war's end, ex-accountant Albert (played by the director) rescues fellow soldier Edouard, who emerges alive, but with horrific facial injuries. While Edouard hides behind a carnival mask, the pair devise a scam involving selling plans for war monuments that will never be built. This is a bizarre mix of dark humour, quasi-surreal visions and settings, (reminiscent of Jeunet's Delicatessen) and moving themes of war, friendship, loss and desire for paternal acceptance. The inclusion of a young girl in the friendship adds yet another level to this intricate and multi layered plot, while the production is lavish and beautifully shot, capturing the era well.
4 - highly recommended!

Scandinavian Film Festival
Melbourne - until July 29
Palace Como, Brighton Bay and Westgarth
For other states, times and bookings, visit ScandinavianFilmFestival.com

Already underway for a week now, it's well worth mentioning this terrific festival with diverse films from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway.
The Swan: Adapted from a popular Icelandic novel, this unusual and mesmerising film is the story of a young girl sent to work on her aunt's farm to develop her independence and resilience. Much of the cruelty and complexity of the adult world is revealed to her. There is nothing mainstream here about the style or storytelling. The film is slow, exquisite in its look, and often mystical and haunting, with a voice-over telling of troubling dreams and Icelandic legends. The film is so unusual and at times disturbing, it has stayed in my mind for days after seeing it.
A Horrible Woman: Brace yourself for a story some of you may recognise. This award-winning Danish drama/comedy explores a love affair that quicky turns into a dysfunctional relationship. When happy-go-lucky beer-swilling, footy-playing Rasmus meets Marie, they are passionately attracted and she moves in. His life and apartment are turned upside down as she becomes progressively more controlling. The filmmaker challenges us to ask is it really her that is so horrible or is he so insecure and non-assertive that he allows the situation to happen? A wonderful and often uncomfortable examination of passive aggression and the dynamics of co-habiting.

The festival is highly recommended!

Monday, 9 July 2018

July 9th
Back to Burgundy
Disobedience
Sicario Soledad
Mary Shelley

I'M BACK!!
Yes, after weeks of gadding in Europe and suffering mild movie withdrawal I'm back and into the catch-up viewing. Two of the recent releases (Sicario and Disobedience) are chalk and cheese. A couple of others I've seen previously at festivals and am glad to see their mainstream release. So here goes . . . again!

Back to Burgundy
Director: Cedric Klapisch
Length: 113 min

Renowned director Cedric Klapisch has made a gorgeous movie about three siblings who inherit their father's vineyard in Burgundy. Lovingly capturing the change of seasons and the grape cycle, as well as the bonds and conflicts between the siblings, this is the sort of French film-making I most enjoy - tender, gentle, and intimate. One of the siblings Jean has returned from Australia when he hears of his father's impending death. There he has also been involved in winemaking and must face the choice now of returning, or staying in France at his family home. This gives the film a nice connection with our great winemaking land. Nice also to see a strong female character in the form of sister Juliette, who is at the helm of the vineyard now that the patriarch has died. I saw this one at the French Film Festival and am delighted to see it get a mainstream release.
4 - highly recommended!

Disobedience
Director: Sebastian Lelio
Length: 114 min

Ronnie (Rachel Weisz) is a photographer living in New York. She returns home to London after the death of her father, a rabbi in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. There she reconnects with two close childhood friends - Esti (Rachel McAdam) and Dovid (Alessandro Nivola), both deep into the religious community. While Rachel has turned away from her orthodox upbringing, her presence reignites conflicts between tradition, faith and sexuality. Lelio directed the stunning trans-gender film A Fantastic Woman. No surprise that he is firmly in control of the powerful emotions conjured up in this story. The three leads are at their best, conveying a story that is heartbreaking and also a testament to the inner strength required to stand up for who you really are in the face of restrictive morals and binding traditions within a very closed community.
4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended!

Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Director: Stefano Solimar
Length: 122 min

A sort of sequel to the fabulous Sicario in 2015, this takes up another story of Mexican drug cartels, who now, it seems, are trafficking terrorists across the border. FBI agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) hires taciturn hitman Alejandro (Benicio del Toro) to assist in a fake kidnapping of a drug lord's daughter, to set the gangs against each other (as if they already aren't). The film is stunningly shot, has truckloads of action and tension, but always for me I find these sort of plots so convoluted and hard to follow. However, that's my problem, and within the genre it's pretty good, but not as gripping as the first one, which had a strong emotional focus in the female lead character. This film by comparison feels somewhat empty emotionally, but del Toro is a standout again.
3.5 - recommended!

Mary Shelley
Director: Haifaa al Mansour
Length: 121 min

Mary Shelley (Elle Fanning) was famous for two things - her marriage at 18 to poet Percy Shelley and having written the immortal classic Frankenstein. This biopic looks at her early life, in an era where woman were not supposed to achieve much and certainly couldn't lay claim to having written a book, so had to publish under another name. There is nothing earth-shatteringly original about the film, but it's handsome enough, and Fanning plays her role with a feisty feminist slant. As a die-hard Frankenstein fan, I found it engaging entertainment when I saw it earlier at the British Film Festival.
3 - recommended!

Monday, 21 May 2018

May 24 . . . and the forthcoming weeks
The Bookshop - out this week
German Film Festival - starts this week
My Friend Dahmer - May 31
Kodachrome - June 7
Upgrade - June 14
Ideal home - June 21
Foxtrot - June 21

It's that time of year again for the blogger to take a well-earned break. So I will let you know now, in advance, of films that are coming up, which I have already managed to preview. And if I can get the dreaded Gmail to work from random computers, I may follow up with a weekly re-run just to jog your memory. Or not!!

The Bookshop
Director: Isabel Coixet
Length: 113 min

In 1959, in an English village, war widow Florence Green (Emily Mortimer) decides to open a bookshop in an old house. She runs up against opposition from vindictive socialite Mrs Gamart (Patricia Clarkson) who wants the house for an arts centre. Unexpected support comes in the form of the reclusive Mr Brundish (Bill Nighy), who is much gossiped about without the villagers knowing the facts. This is archetypical Brit film-making - gentle, well-acted, and beautifully shot. Despite terrific acting and excellent production design, the film never quite soars to emotional highs, and the incessant voice-over narration is a little tiresome. But it is a sweet tale, paying homage to books and the idea that one should always follow one's passions.
3 - recommended! (could I really miss a Bill Nighy film?)

German Film Festival
Melbourne May 24-June 6
Palace Cinema Como
For other states, ticketing and program visit:
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au

Palace Cinemas have taken over the newly revamped German Film Festival, bringing you 26 feature films, including a variety from this year's Berlin International Festival. Closing night gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 1987 Wim Wenders film Wings of Desire, digitally restored. As always I'm lucky to have caught a few in advance.
Mademoiselle Paradis: As they say, fact is often stranger than fiction. This multi-award winning period film is the late 18th century story of a talented pianist, blind from birth, who was sent to renowned physician, Dr Mesmer. As her eyesight improves, her playing deteriorates, leading to an agonising choice. Fabulous costumes, cinematography and production design combine with an intriguing piece of history.
In Times of Fading Light: This is for lovers of films about the repressive times in East Germany. It stars one of Germany's top actors Bruno Ganz, who was brilliant in Downfall. Here he plays a hardline communist party man, celebrating his 90th birthday, just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. As various friends, neighbours and party faithful come to visit, we realise personal lives and politics are all on the brink of change.
When Paul Came Over the Sea: A documentary about asylum seeker Paul from Cameroon. As he waits to cross the Mediterranean to Europe he is befriended by the film-maker, who follows his journey. This is an insightful look at the refugee situation from a very personal viewpoint.

My Friend Dahmer - out May 31
Director: Russ Meyer
Length: 107 min

a serial killer, but not without compassion

Jeffrey Dahmer was infamous for murdering 17 men and boys in mid-west America between 1978 and 1991. This slow-burn, compellingly creepy film traces the young Dahmer (Ross Lynch) through his final high school year, giving a possible insight into what drove the guy to become the biggest serial killer since Jack the Ripper. The film isn't about the crimes (you can read all about them on the net), but about his odd friendship with a group of boys who became intrigued by the weird behaviour of this introverted and socially isolated kid. One of his friends, John Backderf, eventually created a graphic novel in 2012, reflecting upon his experiences with Dahmer. The film is based upon this. It also examines the severely dysfunctional and emotionally neglectful home life of the young teen, begging the question: are "monsters" born or created? Could he have turned out differently with better relationships? The craziness of Dahmer's mother, along with the coldness of his father and the bullying at school, lead one to feel moments of sadness for the boy. All the young men give strong performances as the friends, setting Dahmer up to humiliating antics, while Lynch's powerful performance is chilling. Though the film starts slowly, seeming like a teen flick, it grabs you and progressively shocks and intrigues.
3.5 - well recommended!

Kodachrome - out June 7
Director: Mark Raso
Length: 105 min

World-famous photographer Ben (Ed Harris) is dying. His nurse Zooey (Elizabeth Olsen) contacts Ben's estranged son, record-producer Matt (Jason Sudeikis) with an odd request. Ben wants to develop four rolls of film from years back, and the only place in the country that still develops Kodachrome film is in far-flung Kansas. Ben wants Matt to drive him. Yes, in many ways we sense where this is going from the outset, but it is so beautifully scripted and acted, that not a moment feels forced. The grief for a lost time is strongly felt - the idea of photos being actual, versus the "digital dust" of so much of today's electronic world. But the film's real depth lies in the heart-wrenching story of father and son, and whether they can ever bridge the years of resentments and estrangement. With humor, a strong soundtrack, a romance thread, and absolutely truthful top-notch performances from the three leads, this is a powerful and moving film that had me in tears.
4 - highly recommended!

Upgrade - out June 14
Director: Leigh Whannell
Length: 100 min

Upgrade is set in a futuristic world where computers control just about everything. Grey Trace (Logan Marshall Green) and his wife are victims of a street mugging. His wife is killed and Trace is left a quadriplegic. Unexpectedly he is approached by a mysterious young billionaire who suggests he could have a spinal implant that could "upgrade" him and restore his function. When a computer chip called STEM is inserted in his spine, Trace discovers that he is perhaps no longer boss of his own being. I love an imaginative sci-fi, and although this one is in parts derivative of other sci-fis, it works quite well as a cross-genre thriller with themes of futuristic bio-engineering and driverless cars, along with revenge, madness and devious conspiracies. Though at times violent, it doesn't take itself totally seriously and is good entertainment for fans of the genre.
3 - recommended!

Ideal Home - out June 21
Director: Andrew Fleming
Length: 91 min

to be great fun.

You gotta love Paul Rudd and Steve Coogan playing long-term live-in lovers, who hold wonderful extravagant dinner parties and bicker constantly. Paul (Rudd) is a TV director and Erasmus (Coogan) a flamboyant chef who hosts cooking shows and has a massive ego. (Coogan does ego really well.) When Erasmus's hitherto unknown grandson, Bill (Jack Gore), turns up on the doorstep, a new take on the idea of family is born. I love the way I loathed the kid at the start, then gradually softened. This is Coogan at his best, with Rudd a perfect foil as the long-suffering partner. The script is witty, replete with self-deprecating satire, one-liners, terrific dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments. It's true entertainment - touching and heaps of fun.
4 - highly recommended!

Foxtrot - - out June 21
Director: Samuel Maoz
Length: 114 min

Tel Aviv couple Michael (Lior Ashkenazi) and Dafna (Sarah Adler) have the worst possible news delivered: their son Jonathan has been killed in the line of army duty. Both go into a spiral of grief. To say anything more plot-wise would be to say too much. Suffice to say this is award-winning film-making which scooped the pool at the Israeli Ophir awards, and justifiably so. Gut-wrenching drama combines with black humour about life in the Israeli army, while remarking upon upon the futility of war and the hypocrisy of those in charge. The cinematography is masterful and quite creative, and performances uniformly splendid. The film takes you upon a roller coaster journey, juggling time frames and leading to a bizarre twist of fate that bookends the whole movie.
4 - highly recommended!

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

May 17
Cargo

A very light-on week from me, after a lot of movie overload. But the one I have reviewed is a beauty! It's Aussie genre film-making at its best and is definitely worth seeing.

Cargo
Director: Yolanda Ramking & Ben Howling
Length: 105 min

In a post-apocalyptic Australia, father Andy (Martin Freeman), and his wife Kay (Susie Porter) are holed up on a riverboat, with their baby daughter Rosie. The goal is to survive and evade the "virals", people who have been infected with a zombie-like virus, and roam the land in search of meat. When Andy becomes the sole carer of Rosie, he is desperate to get her to safety. He meets Thoomi (Simone Landers), an Indigenous girl who is searching for the Cleverman (David Gulpillil), to save the soul of her infected father. Implications are that maybe only the Indigenous people are capable of surviving the curse that has ravaged the country. Before you wail "oh no, not another zombie movie", let me say this is one of the best pieces of genre film-making I've seen in a long time. It cleverly creates the sense of fear and dread from the outset, then gradually weaves in Indigenous themes, challenging the audience to consider the whole question of black versus white society, tradition vs modernity, and possibly the idea that the "virals" are a metaphor for dire problems within Australian society. Perhaps they are even punishment for white treatment of black Australia. The stunning and austere South Australian landscape used to splendid effect. Performances from Freeman, Landers, and Anthony Hayes as Vic, a not-so-nice survivor, are uniformly strong. Tension never lets up, but the whole is tempered with deep compassion and an ultimately very moving denouement.

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended!