The Tunnel

HOLY SNOT THIS WAS SCARY!!!! I get creeped out a lot, disturbed by some things, and grossed out only now and again, but I'm rarely actually scared watching a film. I'm such a avid watcher of thrillers and horror that there isn't much that actually affects me in that way. But, after watching this, I don't think I'm going to sleep well tonight. I really felt that this was the true inheritor of "The Blair Witch Project", which, as regular readers know, I feel is the scariest film I've ever seen. "The Tunnel" took all the lessons of "Blair Witch" and made a solid documentary style film that isn't just found-footage, but something far more, and reminiscent of the TV documentaries that preceded the release of "Blair Witch". If you are a fan of that type of horror, you have to see this. Loved it.  5/5

The Tunnel on Netflix

Dead End Drive-In

I think that much my dislike of this movie comes from viewing it now, in 2017, instead of when it was released in 1986. I imagine, were I to watch "The Warriors" now for the first time, I'd think it was about the most ridiculous film I'd ever seen. This film was very much like that, which I could forgive and even get behind. However, when the film became unabashedly racist in the last half, I really checked out of it. Again, this might have been normal for 1986 Australia, but, watching it now, I just can't do it. Not for me. 1.5/5

Dead End Drive-In on Netflix

The Reef

This is an intense shark thriller along the same lines as "Open Water" and "The Shallows", both of which I liked. The ending is a bit strained, but, as it's based on actual events, I can't exactly fault it for that. Solid acting and cinematography sold the tension of this - I enjoyed it. 3.5/5

The Reef on Netflix

These Final Hours

This apocalyptic drama is truly wonderful and shines a light on how we might behave if the end of the world was upon us. Strong script, solid acting, and simple yet effective direction - a real gem. 4.5/5

These Final Hours on Netflix

The Horseman

This thriller is deliciously brutal, almost poetically so, with solid acting & perfect pacing. A gem of a film. 4/5

The Horseman on Netflix

What We Do in the Shadows

This mockumentary sets a perfect tone & follows through with a funny & outrageous story. Loved it! 4.5/5

What We Do in the Shadows on Netflix

The Babadook

WOW. What an amazing and fresh feeling horror film, I'm going to have nightmares for weeks. So wonderful! 5/5

The Babadook on Netflix

The Rover

Pierce & Pattinson are magnetic in this post-apocalyptic thriller that is tensely written & beautifully shot. 4/5

The Rover on Netflix

Boy

Taika Waititi is New Zealand's Wes Anderson except with stronger & more sympathetic characters. Understated but a bit cold. 3/5

Boy on Netflix

Murderous Intent

This psych thriller is wonderfully acted by Eddie Redmayne but nebulously scripted with an odd ending. 3/5

Murderous Intent on Netflix

Wish You Were Here

This Aussie thriller is pieced together non-linearly, making the end reveal that much more powerful. 4/5

Wish You Were Here on Netflix

Mental

This had its moments but I found this comedy more annoying & off-puttng than endearing - it never rang true at all. 2.5/5

Mental on Netflix

Kenny

This mockumentary done in the vein of "Best in Show" is incredibly charming & witty with a great lead character. 4/5

Kenny on Netflix

The Snowtown Murders

This gruesome, gritty, wonderfully directed thriller is going to live in my head for a long time. Wow. 4/5

The Snowtown Murders on Netflix

Burning Man

This dark, complex, & non-linear drama about loss is beautifully acted & sublimely directed - just wonderful. 4/5

Burning Man on Netflix

Griff the Inivisible

I really felt like this movie could go somewhere with this idea but it felt false to me - good, not great. 3/5

Griff the Invisible on Netflix

Beautiful Kate

This film is both compelling & disturbing, but I really wanted to explore the world more. Good, not great. 3.5/5

Beautiful Kate on Netflix

Broken Hill

This heartfelt, inspirational story gets extra points for totally awesome music but still never soars beyond good. 3/5

Broken Hill on Netflix

In Her Skin

Ruth Bradley is beyond brilliant in this dark, gripping, & tragic Australian psych thriller. Chilling to the bone. 4/5

In Her Skin on Netflix

2:37

This is a wonderful, powerful, riveting film that grabbed me & held me straight through. Brilliant plot & acting... wow. 5/5

2:37 on Netflix