Cut Snake

This is a very dark, tense peak into post prison trauma in 70s Australia. Solid acting and good direction.

Uncomfortable yet riveting.

A good watch.

Well, this was a very nice surprise! From the moment Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) makes his appearance in the film, one can feel the tension. A tension that never lights up and - on the contrary - intensifies immensely towards the final act. Interestingly enough, although Pommie is the antagonist, he remains a very likable character - a character I feel and care for, and who's motives I completely understand and actually justifies.

It was also interesting to see Sparra (Alex Russell)'s character develop from an ex-convict now leading a clean existence, to becoming convict again, although unintentionally. This is a very different love story, and also a story of jealousy, and how far one would go for the person you love. Sullivan is really great in this film (and the rest of the cast as well). It is a role I never expected him to do, but he does it so incredibly well that I believed and liked everything about the character.

The film contains drama, action, suspense and romance in equal proportions.

Cut Snake is the latest feature from Australian director Tony Ayers. I enjoyed his 2002 feature 'Walking on Water', and thought he was one to watch. Weaving between single dramas, mini series and feature films, Tony's latest Cut Snake is of interest for his name, and secondly for that of leading man Sullivan Stapleton. An actor on the rise, Sullivan has also been carving out a name for himself across different mediums, and he makes the most of his leading status, piercing the lens with his brooding frame and affect. It is at times a bold and shocking performance; one that elevates him, rightfully to leading status in this country. Alex Russell and Jessica De Gouw were both discoveries for me, and the former emerges with the more fleshed out and compelling character. It is beautifully designed and directed and an interesting interplay of genres and characterizations.

I honestly don't know why the movie received such low scores. It seems like a combination of people expecting it to be more of a fast-paced action film or people offended/turned off by the gay element/subplot of the film. That kind of ignorance in 2019 is really quite discouraging.

For a more objective perspective, keep in mind this in an independent film that's much more of a character study than some sort of heist film. One reviewer drew a parallel to Brokeback Mountain, and there are definitely similarities - specifically that love and sexuality can be fluid and even confusing, and more importantly that one can't chose whom they love. However, it's not a rip-off of Brokeback Mountain; in fact I believe it's loosely based on real people & events. In doing so, it's also a look into a person's nature and If they can change or if they're doomed to repeat the past they know.

So, no, it's not some glossy big budget Hollywood fare, but it's a solid film with some honestly sincere performances - I was really quite impressed w Sullivan Stapleton (showing range I've not seen before). I may have given it a higher rating than it deserves (it may be closer to a 7), but that was partially to offset the unfairly low ratings.

Bottom line: If you're looking for an action flick, then skip it, but if you enjoy well crafted character driven films (that may take a different approach to story telling than American audiences are accustomed to), then give the film a chance.

I saw this premier last night and their was discussion on not revealing the twist and I wont for the sake of this review but I think its a bad idea not to reveal the twist. I think it'll make more money by revealing it. If its left as surprise it comes across more as a reflection on the actors ability to quickly change character as opposed to steeping in from the beginning that these characters can and do exist in the way they are despite their difference. It also seems clunky then and without integrity to appear suddenly different to the point that after that twist is established the movie is finished and resolved. The cinematography was very good and it really did have great features. Once scene in the Chinese restaurant didn't quote cut it for me though. Still overall collaboratively it presented round and beautiful to watch.