This movie packs a punch. Low budget and filmed around the Yarra River in Warrandyte, the tension is built at a steady pace through the performance of James (Reef Ireland) and his quest to find a missing boy, who we learn has been murdered. It's unclear until near the end how the murder took place or where the boy's corpse is hidden. But it's more than this. The movie explores what happens to people when a catastrophic event occurs and the impact this has on relationships. As a society, we hardly see the impact for those who are left after such events and this movie for the most part successfully exposes these impacts. It also depicts the effects of violence within Anthony's (Thom Green) family. The performances of the relatively young cast are believable and never overstated, with Reef Ireland delivering an exceptional portrayal of James. It's also delightful to see Helen Morse play the distant yet empathetic Mary and Kerry Fox as Paige, James' mother, demonstrates her skill as a tormented mother of the accused. Camera work captures the beauty of the river and its landscape. While another reviewer has labelled this movie as "disgusting gay porn", the gay interests and encounters are contextual and add another layer to the movie. For a 1st feature Grant Scicluna, the writer-director, can take a bow .... and several encore bows!
