This new Australian crime-thriller is intense, exciting and has a great cast!
Locked up, 19-year-old JR finds himself under the protection of Australia's public enemy No.1, Brendan Lynch, but protection comes at a price. Lynche's crew have plans for their young protégé and very soon the debt is called in.
Ewan McGregor plays Brendan Lynch; a very strong well rounded character, though sometimes he is a little hard to understand. McGregor is known for often taking on some strange projects, so it is strange to see him in this typically mainstream film. He plays his role well and develops a great rapport with young actor Brendan Thwaites. Brendan is quite new to the film scene, but really owns his role. Sometimes his character can be a little clichéd, especially towards the beginning of the film, but in the end the character really wins you over.
The interesting thing about this film is it entirely focuses on the criminals, most movies that take this side of the story often make you hate the characters, but in this case you end up quite invested in their futures. Writer/director Julius Avery has cleverly created these characters, who for the most part have no moral compass, but you still can’t help but like them!
Overall one of the best Australian films of the last 12 months, it features strong performances and a very strong cast!
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Movie screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas