Aussie films stop pulling their punches

Just watched two Australian films in a row - Tomorrow When The War Began, and The Loved Ones. And while I am coming to these films a bit late, both give me renewed hope for the Australian film industry.

"Tomorrow..." Is an action-adventure, and starts a bit slow with some rather cliched stereotype characters. It also has some very on-the-nose dialogue throughout. But despite all this, it has a strong performance from the lead (Caitlin Stasey) and a couple of very well done action set-pieces. But more importantly perhaps it doesn't suffer from the thing that has plagued so many Aussie films in my opinion - pulling it's punches. Too many films in the past simply don't take their story and their lead character as far as they could. They stop short of going all the way, which leaves one with a very unsatisfying result. "Tomorrow..." could have gone a bit further but given it's target audience (teenagers) it still went to places most Aussie teen flics avoid.

"The Loved Ones" was more full-on than I expected. It's a horror film that actually goes all the way. It doesn't pull it's punches. And by the end of it you are quite exhausted, and feel like you've really been on a harrowing journey. The script is taught and well-structured, simple and compelling. The performances are all excellent, and the cinematography and direction terrific. The music is also outstanding. I really didn't think I would like the film as much as I did, since I am not a huge horror fan, but I recognize a well-made film when I see it.

Both these film give me hope for the Aussie film industry. Especially as "Tomorrow..." did so well in the cinemas, and "Loved Ones" was financed by Screen Australia and Film Vic.

Congrats to all involved in both films. Keep it up.

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