Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to attend a tragic funeral. But his return opens a decades-old wound - the unsolved death of a teenage girl.Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to attend a tragic funeral. But his return opens a decades-old wound - the unsolved death of a teenage girl.Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to attend a tragic funeral. But his return opens a decades-old wound - the unsolved death of a teenage girl.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 22 nominations total
Featured reviews
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!
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!
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 👌👍
There is something uniquely Australian about this film. I think it's the overall country feel. A small country town, struggling with drought, small town syndrome and past mysteries that dog community members - especially one who has just returned after 20 years absence. A really good Australian ensemble hold together the intriguing storyline. And just when you decide it's bleeding obvious who the obsessive killer is and what links two crimes 20 years apart, they throw in some extra ingredients to throw the viewer off the scent. That's the part I actually quite enjoyed. I love this sort of movie that relies on great acting, a solid story and characters in an unforgiving outback setting. Really good work here.
Good solid package. Acting, cinematography, story, balance, musical score... all come together seamlessly.
Only thing missing was a definitive ending. There is enough information to wrap things up 100%. But still, there was enough room for another scene or two just to round it off. If they spent 2 more minutes, I'd had rounded it off to an 8. Not enough credit given to Aussie movies these days. But not surprised really as the bulk are cheesy horrish crap.
This one is worth a watch.
Only thing missing was a definitive ending. There is enough information to wrap things up 100%. But still, there was enough room for another scene or two just to round it off. If they spent 2 more minutes, I'd had rounded it off to an 8. Not enough credit given to Aussie movies these days. But not surprised really as the bulk are cheesy horrish crap.
This one is worth a watch.
I was expecting a lot more from The Dry, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. While the Aussie outback setting is brilliant and Eric Bana gives a solid performance, the film as a whole just didn't hit the mark. The pacing was painfully slow, and the mystery felt more forced than intriguing. Bana's character should have been more compelling, but he just felt flat and emotionally distant. The plot's twists weren't particularly surprising and by the time everything came together I wasn't as invested as I should have been. It's got its moments but overall it's not the gripping crime thriller I was hoping for. If you're into slow-burn dramas you might enjoy it but it's a bit of a letdown for me.
Did you know
- TriviaThe song that Ellie sings when she, Aaron, Grant and Gretchen are sitting around a camp fire is 'Under The Milkyway' by The Church. It was a single from their 1988 album 'Starfish'.
- GoofsAfter tackling the burning man, Aaron is shown with various marks and bandages. His right ear is red from the flames, but his hair is completely untouched. It would have been severely singed.
- ConnectionsFollowed by Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (2024)
- SoundtracksUnder the Milky Way
Written by Steve Kilbey and Karin Jansson
Published by Steve Kilbey Music/Music Sales Corporation by kind permission of The Music Sales Group/Administered by Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd
Performed by BeBe Bettencourt
Piano by Brontë Horder
Produced by Peter Raeburn
- How long is The Dry?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- The Dry
- Filming locations
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia(location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $364,237
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $119,364
- May 23, 2021
- Gross worldwide
- $15,576,286
- Runtime1 hour 57 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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