Film Review – The Dry (2021)
The Dry is based on the best-selling novel from Jane Harper, this slow building Australian indie thriller has strong performances amid various uncomfortable situations concerning a long time ago mysterious death of a teenage girl in the outback.
Always reliable, Eric Bana plays Aaron Falk, returning to his country hometown during an everlasting heatwave, for the funeral of his childhood friend Luke and wife alongside their young son. Only their little baby remaining alive.
The deaths are suspicious although regarded by local law enforcement as murder – suicide. A real investigation is imminent.
Aaron is immediately hassled on arrival by feral townsfolk as city slicker scum.
He is an on the beat detective in Melbourne, so nothing really fazes his negative outlook of the town, including history he left behind.
Flashbacks throughout the film indicate there are undeniable secrets and lies with Aaron and his group of mates including the late Luke. An incident concerning friend Ellie Deacon (Bebe Bettencourt – besides Eric, the best performance in the film) is unravelled with continuing recollections from a selection of residents.
Bettencourt enumerates her incredible presence by hauntingly singing acoustic, 1988 top of the pops hit; Under the Milky Way.
Brutal, dysfunctional subject matter isn’t pretty, enhancing a gripping drama of harsh secrets within a somewhat draconian community. Superior support by Irish thespian, Genevieve O’Reilly and versatile Aussie, Matt Nable, add to the solid ensemble.
★★★
crime, mystery | Australia, 2020 | 15 | Sky Cinema (UK) | Dir. Robert Connelly | Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Bruce Spence, Keir O’Donnell, Bebe Bettencourt, Matt Nable
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