THE DAUGHTER (2015) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Simon Stone

Written by - Simon Stone

Starring - Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Paul Schneider, Miranda Otto, Ana Torv, Odessa Young, Sam Neill

"Excellent directorial debut by SIMON STONE, whose intricate dramatic storyline about families and secrets in rural Australia remains focused, well-balanced and absolutely gripping throughout. 

THE DAUGHTER chronicles the story between two different families from a logging town, a working class one and the other a wealthier one, which is tied together by the friendship between two men, one of whom returns to the village for the wedding of his father to his much younger former housekeeper. 

From start to finish, the engaging soap-operatic film recalls the delicate subjects dealt with by DOUGLAS SIRK, while its uncomfortable bluntness and grey cinematography not only defies the conventional masculine representation of the Australian countryside but also seems influenced by the immediacy and quiet sensibilities of Scandinavian cinema. 

Aside from the excellent screenplay, which on top of keeping a careful steadiness despite its rather complicated structure does not disregard a powerful depth in the portrayal of its many characters, the amazingly talented cast assembled delivers powerful performances. Among them, ODESSA YOUNG as the titular sexually precocious but loving and well-raised daughter stands out, but the film also ultimately successfully thrives on the HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON? like friendship between PAUL SCHNEIDER and EWEN LESLIE, who in their radically opposed personalities add a magnetic and pivotal tension to the story's progression."

Drama, Australia