Australian Film Industry Struggles to Find Delight in Mediocre Cinema

Australian cinema has reached an impasse, with a lack of notable films leaving audiences longing for quality and craftsmanship. On rare occasions, a standout film emerges, such as Simon Baker‘s transformative performance in Limbo or Robert Connolly‘s The Dry, based on Jane Harper‘s critically acclaimed novel. However, these exceptional films are few and far between.

In The Dry, Baker plays a despondent detective investigating a cold case in an outback community. The film found success at the box office, prompting a sequel, Force of Nature: The Dry 2. This latest installment follows Baker’s character, Aaron Falk, as he faces yet another personal trauma while investigating the disappearance of a woman during a corporate bonding hiking trip.

The lush forests and scenic landscapes of Otways, Dandenongs, and Yarra Valley form the backdrop of the film. As Falk and his partner Carmen (Jacqueline McKenzie) delve into the mysterious circumstances of the missing woman, their presence raises suspicions from the chief executive of the finance organization involved, portrayed by Richard Roxburgh. Deborra-Lee Furness also stars as Roxburgh’s wife and one of the party members lost in the forest.

The film weaves multiple flashbacks from each woman’s perspective, revealing their secrets and potential motives for the disappearance. To add an eerie element, the group seeks refuge in a hut once used by a notorious serial killer. Meanwhile, Falk grapples with his own haunting memories of a childhood hike with his parents, where his mother went missing.

Despite Eric Bana‘s efforts to bring depth to his character, Falk remains somewhat unremarkable. Jacqueline McKenzie’s role as Carmen is underutilized, and Richard Roxburgh’s portrayal of a wealthy corporate figure feels less convincing. Though not a terrible film, Force of Nature falls into the category of average cinema, lacking the captivating storylines and compelling characters that audiences crave.