The director allows the drama to take center stage for the first third, give or take. That way, when the rug begins to get pulled out from underneath, all watching are heavily invested in Nicholas and his return home. His relationship with Beccy and his family is cemented in the naturalistic dialogue. Every person feels like they exist outside the confines of this story. Well, all that is save for the two detectives looking into the body in the backyard. The actors are fine, but they are so aggressive it is odd, especially given how easily the lead can prove he hasn’t been in the country, much less this town, in years. But it is a short scene that does not detract too much from everything else the movie offers.
The Dunes is also impressive from a directing standpoint. The opening scene, a three-minute-long tracking shot with no dialogue, is mesmerizing. Several sequences throughout are similarly captivating. While the conversations flow realistically, this is a show, don’t tell affair. The visuals, specifically the lighting, are great. The use of shadow when William shows up unannounced creates an ominous feel. The sweeping vistas of the cliffs and beach Nicholas’ swims highlight Australia’s natural beauty. Martin Copping, Chris Ekstein, Shaun Hart, and Ben Nicholas all contributed to the cinematography and worked in tandem to deliver a stunning-looking picture. The cinematography is a visual treat, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
“…not to be missed.”
The cast is also top-notch. Copping’s nuanced portrayal of Nicholas, even in his more selfish moments, feels authentic. Phillips’s performance is unnerving, terrifying, in fact. Vassilevskaia’s sweet character shares excellent chemistry with her male co-star. The trio’s performances make the eerieness and tension palpable, taking viewers on every creepy step with them. Their acting prowess is truly impressive.
Australia has long held one of the best and most impressive filmmaking communities the world over. Titles like One Perfect Day, Candy, Predestination, These Final Hours, and, of course, Mad Max prove that to be the case handily. The Dunes carries on that storied legacy from its first frames to its last. The acting is fantastic, the cinematography stunning, and the story very engrossing. This is not to be missed.
For more information about The Dunes, visit Martin Copping’s official site.
"…Australia has long held one of the best and most impressive filmmaking communities the world over."
