This is the true story of Alexander Pearce’s escape from a Tasmanian penal colony along with seven other men and how, over the course of time, they succumb to brutality and cannibalism. As the film begins, the first thing that strikes you is the cinematography. Much like, say Terrence Malick, Ian Sharp (in his film, TRACKER), or Nicolas Winding Refn (particularly VALHALLA RISING), the film presents a beautiful countryside filled with lush greens and deep blues and black. So, as the admittedly bleak story begins to enfold, the viewer is drawn into the story and by midpoint they find themselves fully engaged. Some viewers may be put off by the film’s slow pace, but it soon develops its own rhythm and one settles in for the ride. This is by no means an “action” film nor is it a “thriller.” VAN DIEMEN’S LAND is a slow, beautifully–shot, but ultimately sad and dismal tale of men (admittedly, for the most part, unlikeable men – they are, after all convicts) who are faced with a horrible and repugnant decisions (eat or die). Soon, the film begins to feel more paranoid (for some reason, THE THING kept coming to mind). As men are killed and the group’s numbers grow smaller, each man must begin to ask himself, “Am I next?” And, while there are moments of bloodletting, the film is not nearly as gory as its subject might lend itself to be. Very well done, acted with great subtlety, with a poignant storyline, VAN DIEMEN’S LAND is well worth seeking out.
4 out of 5 stars
~ Thom Carnell
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