The Cost

How far would you go to get even?

What lengths would you go to exact revenge, and at what price would you be willing to pay for it or believe it would administer you satisfaction and justice?

These are some of the questions, not answers, that The Cost poses in its challenging and often unsettling narrative.

Written and directed by Australian producer Matthew Holmes and co-written with Gregory Moss this is a worthy addition to the Australian movie landscape and a tense and tight-scripted film to round off 2022. With convincing performances throughout, The Cost seems to have been well casted and carefully thought-out to indeed deliver a thought-provoking experience that will stay with you at least on the drive home and probably longer.

I found it hard to place into a genre and that can be a positive thing for a film sometimes, reflecting the originality of the piece - or at least the will to do so.

Violence collides with conscience here and with a twisting and turning narrative, The Cost packs a punch right to the end, with a brooding soundtrack that fills the film throughout and at feels apt at all times.

I had the chance to see it at the Adelaide premiere and supporters of Australian film, and of course anyone with an openness to be challenged (and a little unsettled), would find here in this film enough meaty content to chew on pre or post Christmas lunch, depending if you have the chance to see it in cinemas or streaming online.

I attended the premier on 26/11/22 at Monsterfest in Carlton. Really loved this film. Violent yes - it is brutal to view - but every moment of it had a purpose. And every moment had consequences. Hard to say much without spoilers but it really is well worth seeing. Nothing about this film felt "low budget". The script was excellent - tight. No wasted words. But also really well edited. There was no moment where you thought it was dragging or a scene lacked purpose.

The quality of every person cast was spot on. There were moments were everything changed in their eyes - no words needed. You knew exactly what their character was going through right in that moment. The exact moment their entire thought process changed. Kudos for that.

The cinematography was sublime. A real stand out for me. I'm not a big fan of the current trend of overly shaky in your face camera work. Instead this was steady, emotive, crisp work that added to the overall feeling of the tense story. The chase through the forest was a particular cinematography highlight for me. I keep replaying it in my head over and over.

It was really lovely to meet cast and crew after the premier. Congratulations to everyone for a fine film.

Adding: Days later I am still thinking about certain scenes and what was going through each characters mind at that time. This is a film where the thoughts of ramifications really stay with you.

Matthew Holmes delivers a truly powerful examination of the psychology of revenge in this tense thriller. It begs the viewer to question their own moral fortitude and whether or not they believe in an eye for an eye.

Holmes has yet again assembled a team of artists around him that seem to know exactly how to achieve his vision and do it justice. The performances are gut wrenching, the cinematography is slick and superb, the soundtrack is haunting, and the screenplay is en pointe. This is a film that shows that you don't need hundreds of millions of dollars to make something that looks it.

What makes The Cost especially powerful is that, unlike so many other revenge films, it doesn't glorify violence, nor does it lionise those who use violence in retribution. It questions how far is too far? When our characters find themselves questioning their choices it rings true, and we even find ourselves bouncing back and forth over what we would do in that situation.

The squeamish might find this one a difficult watch, but The Cost rewards the perseverance of the viewer with a deeply moving exploration of the human psyche.

Great story telling here, edge of your seat stuff, really enjoyed it.

Another good follow up by talented director Matt Holmes, I didn't like The Legend of Ben Hall, this was much better,

Most of the actors are good except the guy who plays the Jordan is not the most convincing of actors especially in a role that requires so much emotion because of the themes.

Damon Hunter and Mark Dee are exceptional and should be nominated or win awards at this years AACTA awards.

Overall great storytelling, great locations, great production design and music and great direction.

Congrats to everyone who made this film, its a great Indie effort.

Only lost marks for Jordan's casting and some story holes or plausibility issues like when the girl getting kidnapped at the beginning she's walking in a dark street and doesn't even look around, I found that highly unlikely, most women look around.

Also, its just missing some genuine emotion, it has all the right ingredients, but something was missing, I should have felt more - it needed more heart, to dig even deeper into the soul of losing someone to murder. I found that it was Jordan who let it down, I should have cried for his loss, but something didn't connect.

Some people in the reviews claimed it was THOUGH-PROVOKING I mean to each their own but really this is not the type of film you're going to walk away contemplating life unless you're a murderer.

What this film is pure excellent entertainment.

The Cost stands out as a compelling and intense exploration of vigilante justice and its moral ramifications. This Australian film delves into the complex consequences of revenge, as it unfolds the story of two individuals taking matters into their own hands after a rapist and murderer is released prematurely from prison. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, portraying the brutality experienced by both the victim and the perpetrators. It navigates the psychological toll of their actions, prompting reflection on the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system.

The narrative goes beyond the surface, raising thought-provoking questions about the human capacity for forgiveness and redemption. It's not just a tale of retribution; it's a nuanced exploration of morality and the intricate web of emotions that come with such extreme circumstances. The three lead actors deliver outstanding performances, earning recognition at various film festivals- a testament to their skill in bringing depth to the characters.

One notable aspect is the juxtaposition of the stunning Australian landscape against the dark and violent events that unfold. The cinematography skillfully contrasts the beauty of the surroundings with the harshness of the narrative, adding layers to the storytelling. It's a cinematic choice that enhances the overall impact of the film.

The Cost isn't just a movie; it's a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

It prompts viewers to reflect on justice, morality, and the intricate shades of human nature.

The film's ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and depth, coupled with stellar performances and striking visuals, cements it as a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema.