Directors
Tristan Barr and Michael Gosden
(Feature film debut together)

Stars
Tristan Barr, Chelsea Zeller, Annabelle Williamson and Aaron Walton

There is something very unique about WATCH THE SUNSET. This is Australia’s first full-length feature film that has been brave enough to tell its story by being shot in a single take! Well, crikey mate, this crime drama is dead set impressive!

Rehearsed over a five week period prior to its shoot date, the final cut seen here was accomplished on the fourth attempt and day of filming. Taking place in real time during one arvo (afternoon for those of you outside Australia!) in the regional Victorian town of Kerang, Danny (played by producer, editor, writer and director Tristan Barr) is a man in a desperate situation trying to outrun a crime-laden past that could be catching up with him quicker than he knows. Before it’s too late, Danny aims to right his wrongs with some folk who were once close to him, including Sally (Chelsea Zeller) and Joey (Annabelle Williamson). But the safety of every person that Danny comes into contact with is immediately placed in jeopardy.

Upon reflection of this mightily ambitious production, I certainly believe that the true rewards for viewing this film are received without knowing any of its specifics prior to watching and is given by simply allowing the measured movement of the camerawork to gradually reveal one piece of detail at a time. I found myself completely immersed from the get-go because of this, but also owing to the smooth and inventive filming, tense score and the tension summoned by a script that continually provokes questions surrounding every current and upcoming move and motive of Danny’s. That is despite there being scarce dialogue spoken throughout the first act of the film.

Quite miraculously and intentionally, WATCH THE SUNSET generates equally as much anticipation as to how it will capture the next action of a character and that particular scene or scenario they’ll be in. I cannot remember the last time that I was this irresistibly curious and completely invested by this aspect of cinematography in any film! The use of and execution in timing and choreography in particular scenes is critical to ensure that what transpires continues to keep everything looking and feeling real. Even though these latter components of the film, and some of the acting, aren’t as polished or consistent as the rest of the production, they remain a minor imperfection only.

A deserving round of applause goes out to all of the filmmakers on board. In particular, to the duo of directors Tristan Barr and Michael Gosden, who could easily have opted for a more traditional and far less challenging method to convey this story. Yet, it is their innovative approach and commitment to their craft that both demands and derives the best out of them and their project.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (Strong themes, violence, coarse language and drug use)