The Dry

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 1, 2021 (Australia)
May 21, 2021 (USA)

Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Eric Bana as Aaron Falk
• Genevieve O’Reilly as Gretchen
• Keir O’Donnell as Greg Raco
• John Polson as Scott Whitlam
• Matt Nable as Grant Dow
• James Frecheville as Luke Hadler
• Bruce Spence as Gerry Hadler
• Julia Blake as Barb

Director
Robert Connolly

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Balibo (2009)
• Paper Planes (2014)
• The Bank (2001)
• Three Dollars (2005)

Producer

• Steve Hutensky
• Jodi Matterson
• Bruna Papandrea
• Eric Bana (Executive Producer)

Writer

• Robert Connolly
• Harry Cripps
  Based on the novel The Dry by Jane Harper

Budget
$20 million

Production Company

• Made Up Stories
• Screen Australia
• Roadshow Films

Running Time
117 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Mature themes
• Language
• Depictions of death and trauma

Movie Story
The Dry is a gripping Australian crime drama that follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) as he returns to his drought-stricken hometown of Kiewarra after 20 years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend Luke Hadler (James Frecheville). Luke is believed to have committed a murder-suicide, killing his wife and son before taking his own life. However, Luke’s parents, convinced of their son’s innocence, ask Aaron to investigate.

Reluctantly, Aaron agrees to stay and look into the case, reuniting with his former friends and the people he left behind. As Aaron digs deeper into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, he begins to uncover long-buried secrets and tensions within the close-knit community. The investigation stirs up painful memories of another unsolved mystery: the death of a teenage girl, Ellie Deacon, who drowned under suspicious circumstances when Aaron was a teenager.

As Aaron confronts the ghosts of his past and the animosity of the townspeople, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and hidden emotions that have festered in the town for years. The film seamlessly weaves together the dual narratives of the present-day investigation and the events of the past, slowly revealing the truth behind both tragedies.

The Dry explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of trauma on a community. The film is set against the stark backdrop of a drought-ravaged Australian landscape, which mirrors the emotional desolation of the characters. As Aaron gets closer to the truth, the tension builds to a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Dry are understated, focusing more on the realistic depiction of the Australian outback and the harsh, dry conditions that play a significant role in the story. The film uses natural lighting and practical effects to create an immersive and authentic atmosphere, emphasizing the oppressive heat and drought that hang over the town like a curse. The flashback sequences are subtly handled, with visual cues differentiating them from the present-day narrative, adding to the film’s overall sense of mystery and unease.

Box Office Performance
The Dry was a major success in Australia, grossing over $20 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing Australian films of all time. The film also performed well internationally, particularly in the United States, where it received critical acclaim for its compelling story and strong performances. Its success was driven by its faithful adaptation of Jane Harper’s best-selling novel and the strong appeal of its lead actor, Eric Bana.

Filming Locations

• Victoria, Australia
• Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t change the past, but you can make peace with it.” – Aaron Falk
• “Some things never change, even after all these years.” – Gretchen
• “There’s always more to the story, isn’t there?” – Greg Raco

Behind-the-Scenes
Eric Bana, who also served as an executive producer on the film, was instrumental in bringing The Dry to the screen. The film was shot on location in Victoria, Australia, with the production team choosing real towns that were experiencing drought to capture the authenticity of the setting. Director Robert Connolly worked closely with author Jane Harper to ensure the film stayed true to the novel, focusing on the atmospheric tension and the complex character dynamics that made the book a bestseller.

The cast underwent significant preparation to embody their roles, with Bana delving into the emotional complexities of Aaron Falk, a character haunted by the past. The film’s tight, suspenseful pacing and the interweaving of the two timelines required careful editing and storytelling, which Connolly and his team executed with precision.

Awards

• AACTA Award for Best Film
• AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Eric Bana)
• AACTA Award for Best Direction (Robert Connolly)
• Nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture – International

Final Verdict
The Dry is a masterfully crafted crime drama that delivers a tense and engaging mystery, anchored by a powerful performance from Eric Bana. The film’s exploration of guilt, loss, and the long shadows cast by past events is both poignant and suspenseful, making it a standout in the genre. With its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of the source material, The Dry is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers. The film’s ability to blend atmospheric tension with emotional depth makes it a compelling and memorable experience.

IMDb Rating
7.0/10