Director
Robert Connolly
Starring
Eric Bana and Genevieve O’Reilly
Adapted from Jane Harper’s best-selling novel, The Dry is the story of AFP Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) who returns home to rural Victoria following the apparent murder/suicide of his childhood friend and his family. When the friends’ parents ask Falk to look into the incident further, this takes him down a rabbit hole of mystery, uncovering more than just the matter at hand.
The Dry is an atmospheric murder mystery with sound storytelling and relatable characters. As the story digs deeper, we realise it’s almost a movie within a movie, with more than one twist or turn along the way. Eric Bana is perfect as the silently strong federal agent, adding a certain gravitas that a quiet movie like this needs to keep engaging its audience. There is a strong ensemble of supporting cast along the way, with a particular stand out being Keir O’Donnell as the inexperienced local Police officer who was originally tasked with investigating the murder/suicide.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to come from this film is the promising potential for more of Jane Harper’s works to be turned into films. Her second novel (Force of Nature) also features the character of Aaron Falk, so hopefully this won’t be the last time we see Eric Bana fill the shoes of this agent.
The Dry provides a much-needed strong start to the film landscape in 2021 and is a particular boon the Australian film industry. The Dry is in cinemas now.
Trailer
Moviedoc 
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