LAST RIDE

In the familiar genre of Australian films focusing on criminals, this offering from first-time feature length director Glendyn Ivan is a rare gem. A father, desperately attempting to outrun the law after committing a violent crime, takes his ten year old son, Chook, on the road. It quickly becomes clear that the greatest challenge in their attempt to survive is their relationship, forcing Chook to decide the future for them both. The cinematography in this film is nothing short of stunning, particular in the way that it draws on distinctive Australian landscapes. Hugo Weaving, as father, and Tom Russell, as son, both lend a humble and endearing credibility to their roles. In a word, Last Ride is unmissable.