Rosebud
Patrick Hughes/Australia/2010/95 min/tbc
This Australian western-style thriller follows a young police officer, Constable Shane Cooper (Ryan Kwanten) over the course of his first day at his new job in the remote outback village of Red Hill. But when a vengeful murderer escapes from the local prison, Cooper is caught in a deadly manhunt as a select group of men rally round to protect the town from the inevitable blood bath.
Whilst the notion of a town coming under attack from a silent and seemingly omnipresent killer isn’t a new one, Hughes’ modern tale of revelations and retribution begins as a slick and well crafted film featuring strong performances and a genuine sense of claustrophobia. Written, directed, produced and edited by Hughes, Red Hill starts well but slowly descends into stereotype as the film’s anticipated twist comes too late and lasts longer than necessary, drawing out the film to over an hour and a half. Altogether a promising but flawed new revenge drama, Red Hill manages to deliver an action-packed and testosterone fuelled fight to the death as the characters go out with their guns well and truly blazing. One for the men, this movie depicts the ultimate worst first day at work ever.
Showing @ Cameo, 19th of June, 20:00, 23rd of June, 20:25
Get Tix @ EIFF
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