After a number of disappointing and outright bad films that have come out of this country in recent years, we finally have what could be one of the most talked-about Australian films since 'UNDEAD'. Having turned up quietly at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, this efficient, stylish, and energetic film proves to be far superior than the more publicised 'VAN DIEMEN'S LAND', and deserves as much success and great word-of-mouth it can get. The best way to enjoy this film is not to read anything about the plot. The less you know about the film going in the better. Rest assured you will be taken on quite a ride. Performances are excellent, and perfectly in tune with the material. Xavier Samuel (turning up in the third instalment of TWILIGHT), Victoria Thaine ('48 SHADES' / 'CATERPILLAR WISH'), Robin McLeavy ('48 SHADES'), Richard Wilson ('THE PROPOSITION' / 'CLUBLAND'), Jessica McNamee (TV's 'PACKED TO THE RAFTERS'), and veteran John Brumpton ('LAST RIDE' / 'ROMPER STOMPER' / 'DANCE ME TO MY SONG' / 'STORM WARNING') all deserve special mention. Considering its small budget, 'THE LOVED ONES' is a slick looking movie. Credit goes to cinematographer Simon Chapman and editor Andy Canny, who both worked on the director's short film 'ADVANTAGE'. Great work is also done by production designer Robert Webb ('WOLF CREEK' / 'ROGUE'). Writer/director Sean Byrne combines black comedy and horror/thriller confidently, as he did with his impressive 2007 short film 'ADVANTAGE'. He turns one kind of film into another with skill, never stumbling when he makes the transition. Like his short film, Byrne knows what to show and when to cut, and he again shows his great ear for sound design. Director Byrne, and stars Samuel, Thaine, and McLeavy were at the screening I attended, and you couldn't wish more success on a better group of people. Mr Byrne announced that 'THE LOVED ONES' will be playing in the Midnight Madness section at the Toronto Film Festival in September. So please, everyone in Canada and the U.S please greet this film with open arms, and please give this talented young director your warm support. You won't be disappointed.
Review of The Loved Ones
