Force of Nature: The Dry 2
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 8, 2024 (Australia)
Genre
Mystery Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Eric Bana as Aaron Falk
- Anna Torv as Alice Russell
- Deborra-Lee Furness as Jill Bailey
- Robin McLeavy as Lauren
- Sisi Stringer as Bethany “Beth”
- Lucy Ansell as Brianna “Bree”
- Jacqueline McKenzie as Carmen Cooper
- Tony Briggs as Ian Chase
- Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Erik Falk
- Richard Roxburgh as Daniel Bailey
- Kenneth Radley as Sergeant Vince King
- Ash Ricardo as Jennifer “Jenny” Falk
- Ingrid Torelli as Margot Russell
- Matilda May Pawsey as Rebecca
Director
Robert Connolly
Producer
- Jodi Matterson
- Steve Hutensky
- Bruna Papandrea
- Robert Connolly
- Eric Bana
Writer
Robert Connolly
Box Office Performance
$5.8 million
Production Company
- Screen Australia
- Film Victoria
- Made Up Stories
- Arenamedia
- Pick Up Truck Pictures
Distributed By
Roadshow Films
Running Time
112 minutes
Languages
English
Content Advisory
- Violence
- Mature themes
- Intense situations
Movie Story
“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is a gripping Australian mystery thriller that follows federal police detective Aaron Falk, reprised by Eric Bana, as he is drawn into another complex and haunting investigation. Set a year after the events of “The Dry,” Falk is still haunted by his past cases when he is approached by the employee of a major company, Alice Russell, for information regarding a money laundering scheme. However, Alice refuses to divulge further details. The next day, Alice embarks on a corporate hiking retreat in the rugged Giralang Ranges with four colleagues: her boss Jill Bailey, childhood friend Lauren, and sisters Brianna and Bethany. What begins as a simple team-building exercise quickly turns into a nightmare.
Three days into the hike, Falk receives a cryptic, incomprehensible phone call from Alice, which is abruptly cut off. When Falk learns from fellow agent Carmen Cooper that Alice’s hiking companions have returned from the mountains injured, with Alice missing, he suspects foul play due to Alice’s status as a whistleblower. Falk’s personal connection to the area deepens the stakes, as it’s revealed through flashbacks that his own mother disappeared in the same region years earlier. This traumatic event adds another layer of urgency as Falk joins the search for Alice, confronting both his personal demons and a chilling mystery.
As Falk and Cooper delve deeper into the investigation, they unravel a web of secrets among the hikers. Jill’s husband, Daniel, who is implicated in the money laundering, met with Alice during the hike, intensifying her anxiety and driving her to try and leave the group early. The situation deteriorates when Brianna, recovering from a spider bite, admits to causing the group to become lost due to a misreading of the map. Tensions rise as the group discovers an abandoned cabin, and Alice’s behavior grows increasingly erratic, leading her to believe they are being hunted by a notorious serial killer. As the story unfolds, Falk uncovers that the group’s dynamics are fraught with betrayal, secrets, and unresolved tensions, leading to a tragic series of events.
The climax of “Force of Nature: The Dry 2” reveals the harsh truth behind Alice’s disappearance. Brianna, fearing that her sister Bethany would be blamed for Alice’s death, attempted to hide Alice’s body after a deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Lauren’s long-buried resentment towards Alice, stemming from a personal family conflict, is exposed as the catalyst for the fatal altercation. Falk’s determination to solve the case leads to a dramatic rescue, and the discovery of a crucial piece of evidence—an incriminating thumb drive—that ties the events back to the original money laundering investigation. The film ends with a powerful reflection on justice, guilt, and the cost of truth, as Falk confronts the ghosts of the past while securing justice for the present.
Special Effects
The film uses stunning natural landscapes to create a tense and foreboding atmosphere. The rugged terrain of the Otway Ranges, combined with carefully crafted sound design, enhances the suspense and isolation felt by the characters as they navigate the treacherous environment.
Filming Locations
- Otway Ranges, Victoria, Australia
- Dandenongs, Victoria, Australia
- Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Notable Quotes
- “In these mountains, the past never stays buried for long.” – Aaron Falk
- “Some secrets are meant to stay hidden, even if it costs a life.” – Jill Bailey
Behind-the-Scenes
“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is the anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2020 film “The Dry.” Directed by Robert Connolly, who also helmed the first film, this sequel continues the story of Aaron Falk, bringing back Eric Bana in the lead role. The film was shot in various locations across Victoria, Australia, capturing the stark beauty and danger of the Australian wilderness. The production began in May 2022, with IFC Films acquiring the North American distribution rights.
Final Verdict
“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is a thrilling continuation of Aaron Falk’s story, blending mystery, suspense, and psychological drama. With strong performances, particularly by Eric Bana and Anna Torv, and a narrative that keeps audiences on edge, this film is a must-see for fans of the first installment and newcomers alike. The sequel deepens the exploration of Falk’s character while delivering a gripping and intense cinematic experience.
Image Source: by Narelle Portanier/Roadshow Films Pty Ltd