Last Train to Freo is one of the most interesting Australian films of the year. Stripped to basics with minimal cast and only one location of the train carriage, taking our two protagonists Steve and Trev, and three strangers from Perth to Freemantle. Starting off just as a two hander with Steve and Trev, conversation is minimal and ultimately doesn't grab your attention. It's all small talk between friends, yet insight does start to unfold. Steve holds himself as an omnipotent "bogan", constantly referring to himself as 'complex and multifaceted'. Steve also holds himself as protector to Trev, a drug addict. Trev is the down trodden no-hoper, sticking to Steve through constant abuse. As time ticks by, when the story already looks stretched beyond limits, our first stranger boards the train, and everything changes.
Last Train to Freo is a great character study on the interaction between strangers. It has become a modern trend that people in situations like the train, kept to their own and turn the blind eye. Writer Reg Cribb, adapting his own stage play, shows that everyone has a story, you've just got to ask; though we people rather worry about their on skin. Steve likes to explore other people's lives, his attempt at cutting down the stereotype society labels him, yet him brashness and vulgar ways at times gives you affirmation to keep to yourself.
Even for its short running time, Last Train to Freo does suffer from a very slow burn. When starting off with Steve and Trev, you wonder where is this going and how can this last. When other characters start being inducted, plot twist unfold and slowly evolves into a gripping thriller. The tension builds upon itself to unbelievable levels, by the end the grip is unbearable. Probably the downfall of the plot twists are they don't completely hold true, and only there too keep the film moving forward. Though this is easily forgiven from the great tension and strong performance.
Steve Le Marquand and Tom Budge are amazing and the strongest of the cast. Steve perfectly captures that omnipotent personality of Steve and evokes it well. Gigi Edgley, Glenn Hazeldine are great, and Gillian Jones is quite a stunner as Maureen.
For it's basic concept, Last Train to Freo is one film that comes as quite a surprising film.
Last Train to Freo is a great character study on the interaction between strangers. It has become a modern trend that people in situations like the train, kept to their own and turn the blind eye. Writer Reg Cribb, adapting his own stage play, shows that everyone has a story, you've just got to ask; though we people rather worry about their on skin. Steve likes to explore other people's lives, his attempt at cutting down the stereotype society labels him, yet him brashness and vulgar ways at times gives you affirmation to keep to yourself.
Even for its short running time, Last Train to Freo does suffer from a very slow burn. When starting off with Steve and Trev, you wonder where is this going and how can this last. When other characters start being inducted, plot twist unfold and slowly evolves into a gripping thriller. The tension builds upon itself to unbelievable levels, by the end the grip is unbearable. Probably the downfall of the plot twists are they don't completely hold true, and only there too keep the film moving forward. Though this is easily forgiven from the great tension and strong performance.
Steve Le Marquand and Tom Budge are amazing and the strongest of the cast. Steve perfectly captures that omnipotent personality of Steve and evokes it well. Gigi Edgley, Glenn Hazeldine are great, and Gillian Jones is quite a stunner as Maureen.
For it's basic concept, Last Train to Freo is one film that comes as quite a surprising film.