The Nightingale

                  Writer/director Jennifer Kent, who's last film, "The Babbadook" still gives me nightmares, returns with a completely different kind of horror film. 

                    In 1825 Tasmania, we meet Claire, played by Aisling Franciosi, a married convict who works servicing the British soldiers who oversee the penal colony. The film contains multiple scenes of rape and murder (even of children) and is not an easy film to watch. While many viewers have left the theater in disgust,  Ms. Kent defends her decision to depict such violence, claiming "the film contains historically accurate depictions of the colonial violence and racism that took place against the Australian Indigenous people of that time".

                     Claire, as a convict and a woman, is treated no differently from the Aborigines, called "Blacks" by the British,  and is subjected to unbelievable violence and cruelty. The film is produced in collaboration with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders who feel "this is an honest and necessary depiction of their history and a story that needs to be told". Ms. Kent remains proud of the film despite much negative response and stresses "the film is about a need for love, compassion and kindness in dark times".

                      While a story of revenge, it is clear that Ms. Kent's message comes through and needs to be heard.  Gripping, powerful and never easy, Claire's growing relationship with the Aboriginal tracker, Billy, played by Baykali Ganambarr, and the surprising direction of the story is raw, honest and heartbreaking. The three lead actors have very difficult roles but they are just brilliant, including Sam Claflin as the despicable Lieutenant Hawkins (one of the all time horrendous screen villains).

                       The cinematography of the Tasmanian landscape is a rich and beautiful contrast to the transpiring story. Ms. Kent's direction is impeccable, holding back nothing to the audience and driving home her point. She is a talented filmmaker with a unique style. While certainly not for everyone, this is a remarkable film.