Segredos do Passado

Eric Bana plays a federal cop drawn back to his home town where he is persuaded to investigate the massacre of a family apparently by an old friend. His presence is largely unwelcome though as he is believed to be responsible for the death of a girl 20 years earlier.

Set in a tinder dry Australian township, this is an assured, solid mystery thriller which cleverly displays possible suspects so you never really sure what the answer is and where it lies as it twists and weaves as Bana finds new pieces of evidence. Bana is sharp and relatively reserved throughout with a good supporting cast rekindling old romances or wanting him gone for the crime he allegedly committed. It is all set in this dry world - you can almost feel the heat - reminiscent of the seventies Australian film renaissance films and particularly of course Picnic at Hanging Rock. I was particularly pleased as well that in the end the solutions to both crimes are laid properly bare, with the main crime featuring a particularly impressive piece of stunt / effects work to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. Good film.

The story is very engaging. Two mysterious murders to be solved, and both of them cause ripples in the entire small town. How the past and present intertwine is captivating.

Taps into something elemental about growing up around the Australian bush. Well-paced direction from the steady hand of Robert Connelly. Bana underplays his character to let the story do the talking. No slouches whatsoever in the plentiful supporting cast either. Matthew Nable & Genevieve O'Rielly on top of their game. Haven't seen John Polson act since Mission Impossible 2. He seems to relish the craft. A layered whodunnit with a harsh drought as a backdrop. Flashbacks of youth, a rekindled romance of sorts, and interesting townsfolk provide temporary respite from the surreal bleakness. Do yourselves a favour.

Seriously guys I am a sucker for murder mysteries. No matter how bad the script is and even if it's predictable which in this movie I had no idea and couldn't see it coming at all. It's the way the direction and cinematography is done plus suspenseful music all goes well hand in hand to tell a beautiful story. The acting is fantastic from everyone especially Eric BANA. Maybe a bit long but kept me engaging the entire time. Great movie 👌👍

I have to admit, it is very rare that i watch an Aussie movie and find it is a bad one and this is no exception to the rule!

This film literally drips with atmosphere and a pervading sense of sadness mixed with regret and soupçon of futility but with superb acting from all the cast weaving a rather languorous but stylish web of intrigue to hold the viewers gaze. Great photography and spellbinding music score that really conjures up the dry dustbowl that is the archetypal, central Australia backwater town, with its hidden dark secrets and creepy bill-hilly descendants of Botany Bay; so much so you can almost feel the oppressive heat and stifling atmosphere hemming you into your seat; just like PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK (1975) did all those year ago and with the same serious aplomb.

It is a basic whodunnit story and not for the crash, bang , wallop brigade but for those who like to sit back and be absorbed into the landscape and watch from a distance and it unfolds so methodically and with such a well paced, directed, photographed and acted ensemble that it is hard to stop watching. With a masterful performance and perfect casting of the always on form Eric Bana. I actually had a tear in my eye at the final denouement; always a great sign that a movie has done its job well. It made a superb nights viewing and a film I could watch again - for me that is another sign of a good movie!!!

Highly recommended, one of the best films this year and anyone who has read Jan Harper's book will be happy as it has not been hacked to death as usually happens in the Hollywood movie-zone!