Sweet River

Here we have a drama film that includes a supernatural subplot which, unfortunately, doesn't lend as much to the film as it could have. It's a pity because I think it could have had the potential to be a genuinely spooky movie, but the real message within is a story about grief and loss, not things that go bump in the night. I watched till the end hoping for dramatic revelations or a great twist that made it worth the effort, but I was disappointed.

The writing of this film lets it down. It's like a car that keeps trying to get up the hill but never gets there. It feels like a first draft script that needed to get pushed to a higher level, which is a shame, because you can tell everyone did their best with what they had.

This movie went nowhere, massive anticlimax. Was extremely slow and had a lot of unnecessary scenes thrown in. Really disappointed since I had high hopes due to the acting.

I can't understand the negative reviews for this film. It has a good story, is well produced and has an excellent cast. It is an Australian film, and perhaps overseas American audiences miss the subtlety of Australian culture and story telling. However, the film is far from boring.

What separates the film from the mundane done to death horror, is the subtle showing of ghosts. There are no silly monsters popping out, or OTT special effects.

The lead English actress was very good, and I think that it's very unfair to just compare her to a look alike Rebecca Gibney. Because she certainly brings a strong screen presence with her. The supporting cast are also strong, and each shine in their own way.

The film also sheds light on the small towns near the Tweed River. For anyone who has ever visited there, it certainly does have a spooky feel and an unusual atmosphere about it. The sugar canes, which are largely the livelihood of such towns grow tall and far reaching. It is also has interesting Artistic culture.

My only criticism would have been to show less of the lead characters return to alcoholism. While a significant story to tell there could have been half the amount of scenes of her drinking to paint the picture.

All in all an enjoyable watch and definitely well above your cliched horror film.

Slow, boring film with no horror, scares, suspense or thrills. A mysterious British woman returns to a Northern New South Wales town searching to find out what happpened to her missing child. No one in the town recognises her except for the local town cop? A cast of Australian TV actors star with a Rebecca Gibney look a like British actress in this waste of a film budget and a good location.