Canicule

A policeman, Aaron Falk, returns to his small home town for a funeral. Three people from the same family died in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Falk was best friends at school with Luke, the husband accused of the murders. The return, his first in over 20 years is not a happy one, bringing up memories of and anger from another death, one he was accused of.

Interesting Australian crime drama. Decent plot and reasonably engaging. The whodunnit side is not obvious, making for an intriguing journey.

Solid performance from Eric Bana in the lead role and decent supporting performances.

Not brilliant though: is a bit long-winded and the plot isn't entirely watertight. While reasonably intriguing, the tension is lacking, giving the feeling that things are happening in a vacuum. The drawn-out nature of proceedings doesn't help the momentum or tension.

Still very watchable though.

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!

I saw this without watching the trailer or reading anything bah it.

Eric Bana and a mystery movie set in the dry Australian outbacks were suffice to pull me in.

The film moves at a slow pace but it never gets boring.

Picnic at Hanging Rock, Flashbacks of a Fool, Chinatown, etc came to my mind while viewing this.

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.