Even though this film claims that none of it is true, it’s based on the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly (played as an adult by George MacKay). It’s set in the 19th century, when the English still ruled the continent with much resentment from the inhabitants. Kelly was primed at an early age to be hard and unsparing and this narrative follows him in his unpleasant personal life, right up to the anarchist rebellion he led. The entire film has a brutal, bleak overtone that makes it hard to handle. It’s biggest asset is director Justin Kurzel, who is one of the great visual stylists working today (my reviews of Assassin’s Creed and Macbeth both starring Michael Fassbinder). This one continues his impressive skill at creating memorable mise en scène and overstated dramatic moments. There’s hardly a pleasant moment and no fulfilling resolution, but as a piece of filmic art, it’s impressive.
(3 / 5)