been protected by his mother from the rest of his criminal family, but with his mother gone he has nowhere to turn. He goes to live with his grandmother (Janine “Smurf” Cody) and Uncles in a Melbourne suburb. It quickly becomes apparent that his Uncles earn and support the family through armed robbery and drug dealing, all under the loving care of his Grandmother. If you’ve ever wondered how a mother can love a son who is a murderer then this lady will show you how!
As the story progresses Josh becomes torn between a loyalty to his family, who protect him, and a sense that what they do is very wrong. The police who are relentlessly trying to catch various members of the family see Josh as the key to breaking the family. Josh is the proverbial salami in the sandwich with the bread squashing in.
This directorial debut at times barely allows you to breathe. The key is the phenomenal script and astounding acting, you almost feel like you’re watching a documentary as it sucks you in to their twisted reality. James Frecheville as Josh gives a performance worthy of a much more experienced actor and Jackie Weaver as the matriarch underpins the entire film with a sublime and sinister portrayal (earning her a much deserved best supporting actress academy award nomination). Guy Pearce (the only member of neighbours to emerge with any credibility – apologies to Kylie) provides the other side of the equation and subtly keeps you guessing about the role of the police. This film scooped the World Cinema Prize at Sundance
and I can see why. I simply cannot fault it. It makes you sympathise with murderers and get seriously worried about what our police might be up to. This is by far the best film I have seen this year and cannot recommend it strongly enough. If you are looking for that feel good factor, look elsewhere, here you will find quality film making at it’s very best.
