Hamilton Morris, Natassia Gorey-Furber, Sam Neill
‘A stark, shocking movie, superbly shot by Thornton’ ***** Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
Sweet Country is a fugitive drama set in Australia’s Northern Territory. Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah) directs this compelling period drama set in 1929 that has contemporary relevance for its depiction of the rule of law run amok.
Inspired by real events and featuring a cast of non-professional Aboriginal actors, this film has a rare authenticity. Sam Neill plays Fred Smith, a preacher whose land is worked by Aboriginal stockman Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris). The tentative peace of the outback is broken when Sam is forced to kill in self-defense. Sam flees with his wife Lizzie (Natassia Gorey-Furber), pursued by a posse.
With clipped dialogue, beautiful cinematography of the Northern Territory and impressive performances, this Western brings all the talent that won Warwick Thornton the Camera d’Or for his debut.