A motley group of strangers are all forced to seek refuge at a remote outback roadhouse due to severe flooding caused by a fierce torrential downpour. However, one of these people proves to be every bit as dangerous as the savage storm that's raging outside. Director Kevin James Dobson, working from a compact script by John and Cody Jarratt, keeps the absorbing story moving along at a brisk pace, creates and sustains a substantial amount of claustrophobic suspense, maintains a hard gritty tone throughout, and makes good use of the isolated outback setting. Moreover, Dobson's taut and economical style doesn't waste a single minute and thus ensures that there's never a dull moment. The sound acting by the capable cast keeps the movie humming: John Jarratt as high-strung ex-con Phil, Craig McLachlan as the rugged Mory (McLachlan also composed the effectively shuddery score and contributed a few songs to the soundtrack), Jessica Napier as perky barmaid Kate, Rebecca Smart as the sassy Mickey, Chris Haywood as brutish cop Chris, Sacha Horler as the brash Shae, Angela Punch-McGregor as the nervous Sue, and Charlie Jarratt as Sue's loyal and protective son Damien. Geoff Cox's agile cinematography takes neat advantage of a constantly mobile prowling camera. A tidy little thriller.
Review of Savages Crossing
