Released 18th November (certificate to be confirmed) Set in the Australian outback in the 1880s, this gothic western is a mesmerising tale of conflict and brutality. Guy Pearce plays Charlie Burns, one of three brothers wanted for rape and murder. When Charlie and his 14-year-old brother, Mikey, are captured by law enforcer Captain Stanley, they are offered a pardon, but only if Charlie hunts down and kills his older brother. If he fails, Mikey will be hanged on Christmas Day.
Written by musician Nick Cave, who was also responsible for the brilliant novel And The Ass Saw The Angel, the film combines strong central performances, stunning locations and a superior score. Guy Pearce’s mean and moody Charlie unintentionally echoes Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name but it’s Ray Winstone and Emily Watson as the out-ofplace Stanleys who really impress. When Martha Stanley encourages a public flogging that her husband knows will have terrible repercussions on their own lives, the physical and emotional pain that follows will leave you squirming uncomfortably in your seat. And the futile attempts of the Stanleys to remain ‘civilised’ in their harsh new environment starkly contrast the sporadic violence that peppers the film – violence that is particularly shocking because it often occurs when least expected.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A haunting tale of cultures and classes clashing.
