Review of The Square

The Square (2008)
10/10
gripping, stylish thriller
6 July 2008
Written by Joel Edgerton and Matthew Dabner, directed by Nash Edgerton and produced by Louise Smith, The Square eloquently shows that Australian films can embrace genre in an exciting, audience-aware way. This is thrilling film-making at its best.

The plot revolves around a middle aged man, Ray, (David Roberts) who makes a fatal mistake when he gets involved with younger woman, Carla, (Claire van der Boom). His attempts to make it right just land him deeper and deeper into the kind of trouble he'll never be able to resolve. This searing examination of middle-aged angst and displaced desire keeps the surprises coming and the twists turning.

In a series of colourful and dynamic performances, the supporting cast including Joel Edgerton as a pyromaniac crim-for-hire, Tony Hayes as the spurned husband with a dark secret of his own and Kieran Darcy-Smith as a nasty concrete guy only add to the strength of the world.

Beautifully shot, fantastic production design and razor sharp editing. Also of note is the soundtrack - perfectly tuned to mood - this one doesn't miss a beat.

This was my highlight of the Sydney Film Festival - audiences should flock to this one.

They won't be disappointed.
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