Director
Ben Lawrence

Starring
Hugo Weaving, Andrew Luri and Hayley McElhinney

Hearts and Bones is the story of Dan Fisher (Hugo Weaving) a renowned photographer who specialises in photographing war zones. Daniel is approached by Sebastian (Andrew Luri), a South Sudanese immigrant, under the pretext of taking some photos of his African hope choir. Once the men spend some time together, Sebastian asks Daniel not to display photos from a massacre in his home village in an upcoming exhibition. This leads to a number of questions, many of which have some uncomfortable answers. What follows is an exploration into the way both men deal with personal trauma.

The film is heady and interesting, with the direction taking the less is more approach which serves its purpose well. Weaving is typically rock solid, but it’s the newcomer Luri who really finds layers of beautiful nuance in his character. Whilst the subject matter is mostly grim, the way the film doesn’t overplay the tragedy shows great restraint and makes it all the more compelling. This is director Ben Lawrence’s first feature film, and judging by this, it won’t be his last.

Hayley McElhinney (from TV’s Doctor Doctor) is perfectly annoying (but in an entirely deliberate way) as Dan’s headstrong partner Josie, whilst Bolude Watson as Sebastian’s wife Anishka adds a humanity and sympathy that the story needs at times. Both women hold their own in a very masculinised exploration of loss, anger and grief.

Hearts and Bones is an interesting character study, and certainly one of the better pure dramas to come out of the Australian cinema landscape in a while. Although it won’t serve as heart-warming escapism from isolation, it might serve as a reminder that some people have it a lot worse.

3.5 Stars

Hearts and Bones is available to rent now on Google Play and Apple+

Trailer
HEARTS AND BONES