Cut Snake

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.

Cut Snake is not your average/usual crime thriller. It is luckily much more. Somewhat based on the actual events that happened in Brisbane, Australia at The Whiskey A Go Go Night Club Fire that left 15 people dead in 1973. But the star attraction here is Sullivan Stapleton, known from 300:Rise of An Empire, Strike Back TV Series, Animal Kingdom and other movies and TV shows. He plays a testosterone filled criminal, full of anger and rage. He is most surely deserving of an award for his performance here. Sullivan's character is also a much more complex and not really what he seems to be at first. His character Pommie is an emotionally disturbed and hurt, character out of jail looking to rekindle with an old flame played by Alex Russell, that made a promise to him when they were in jail together. One of the surprises here is that both male leads are gay/bi and very masculine (unlike most false Hollywood characterization of a gay male being effeminate) Cut Snake will take you for a ride ( a good one at that) and leave you wanting more. Be sure to see it.

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.

The overall rating for this movie is quite bad, so I didn't have much expectations. I was pleasantly surprised because I think it's a movie that opens the door for many conversations like toxic masculinity and the way we think we "possess" those we love. I think that it's true what other user said that this movie's biggest flaw is relying on many cliches - the cops being the worst of them all, but I also think it's the acting on secundary characters, the editing and the music choices that make you roll your eyes the most. It's sad because I think it could really have gone places.