Weekend movie recommendation by Chrischi
In the arid Australian outback, the quiet town of Kiewarra is once again thrust into the spotlight, as Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) returns after a 20-year absence. The catalyst for his homecoming is a tragic event that sets the stage for the suspenseful crime drama, "The Dry".
Adapted from Jane Harper's bestselling thriller of the same name, "The Dry" is a chilling exploration of a small town grappling with its past and present. For those who have not yet seen "The Dry - Legends of the Past", it is recommended to view it before delving into the sequel, "Force of Nature", for context.
As Falk delves deeper into the investigation, the parched land begins to reveal its secrets. The story unfolds as a quiet crime cinema, where the tension builds steadily, culminating in a shocking climax.
The plot revolves around the suspicious deaths of Luke, a friend of Falk's, and his family, leaving their newborn baby alive. Falk's investigation stirs up hostility among the townsfolk, who are already on edge due to the long-standing drought and the resulting aggression.
The residents of Kiewarra are haunted by the past, and the drought only serves to fan the flames of resentment. Falk's investigation into the murders leads him to suspect that the baby was left alive because it couldn't testify, prompting him to scrutinise the town's residents.
Director Robert Connolly masterfully captures the oppressive, shimmering heat of the Australian outback, reflecting the weariness of the residents in the film. The panoramic shots of the crime drama set against the barren landscape are breathtaking.
Eric Bana delivers a compelling performance as Falk, an investigator with a troubled past. His character's return to Kiewarra is met with hostility due to a past incident involving the death of a girl named Ellie. Ellie's now-demented father, played by William Zappa, blames Falk for her death, a case that is now closed.
Despite its nearly two-hour runtime and measured pace, "The Dry" remains extremely suspenseful and worth watching. The final half-hour of the film packs a punch not seen in a long time, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, "The Dry - Legends of the Past" is a quiet crime cinema that is worth more than a direct-to-home-video release. Fans of suspenseful, character-driven dramas will find much to enjoy in this adaptation of Jane Harper's bestselling novel.
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