Written and directed by Justin Kurzel, Snowtown deals with the true story of Australia's most notorious serial killer, John Bunting, and his relationship with 16 year-old Jamie Vlassakis.
Set in the 1990s in a housing trust home in Adelaide's northern suburbs, Kurzel's first full-length feature is an unrelenting account of the 'Bodies in Barrels' murders which shocked a nation and, fittingly, is very difficult viewing from the opening scene to the closing credits.
The narrative starts slowly - deliberately so - as it builds an almost unbearable sense of tension which increases as the story progresses. In a disenfranchised neighbourhood, Jamie's household is a pit of hopelessness, violence and sexual abuse until a salvation seemingly arrives in the form of the charismatic Bunting (played by Daniel Henshall). The two form a bond, with the terrifying Bunting imposing a strong influence over the confused youngster. As the pointless and gruesome murders begin to occur with painful inevitability, it becomes increasingly clear that Snowtown is a film that offers not a single shard of light, not a second of relief. This is an almost unbearably heavy journey which deals with horrific malice, violence and bigotry. But, tough as it is, it is also undeniably gripping and expertly crafted.
Stunningly shot, slow-burning, grim and incredibly tense, Snowtown is one of the bleakest and heaviest films you will ever see and is absolutely not for the faint hearted. But if you are looking for an exceptional piece of uncompromising Australian cinema, then you'll find it here. Just don't expect to feel good about the world as the credits roll.
Review by Bobby Townsend
1 comment:
Brilliant, brilliant film that leaves you bruised and battered. Very bleak, but you won't be abkle to look away for a second. Totally unmissable. 10/10
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