Before the enormously successful California-based five season TV series came the Australian crime drama film based loosely on the real life Pettinghill Melbourne family.
Having been isolated from the extended Cody family by his mother, her fatal overdose sees 17-year-old Joshua ‘J’ Cody (James Frecheville) turn to his clan. A family immersed in the world of crime and ruled by scheming grandmother, Smurf (Jacki Weaver), J is expected to be part of the lifestyle. But scared by his psychotic uncle, Pope (Ben Mendelsohn), a way out is offered by Detective Nathan Leckie (Guy Pearce).
Violence and police corruption go hand in hand in David Michôd’s powerful and ominous crime drama, his feature film debut. Low-key and nuanced performances, particularly from the serpentine Weaver, add to the sense of dread.
Nominated for the best supporting actress Oscar in 2011
Rating: 80%
Director: David Michôd (The King, The Rover)
Writer: David Michôd (The King, The Rover)
Main cast: James Frecheville (The Dry, The Drop), Guy Pearce (Memento, The Rover), Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook, Penguin Bloom)
An Opinion or Two 