Cut Snake (2014)
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Merv (Alex Russell) is an ex-convict who is trying to make a new life for himself in 1970s Melbourne. He has found honest work and even becomes engaged to Paula (Jessica De Gouw), but the prospect of his new life is challenged when his foreboding and charismatic former cellmate James (Sullivan Stapleton) arrives in town and pressures Merv into going back to his old ways.
Written by Blake Ayshford, the film is set in the retro-sexy mid-’70s, unfolding primarily in suburban Melbourne and at a semi-isolated cottage in the peaceful bushland hills on the outskirts of town. Merv (Alex Russell) is the dream boyfriend who has dropped from out of nowhere into the life of twentysomething Paula (Jessica de Gouw), and while she knows little to nothing about his friends, family or past, marriage is on the horizon.
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Well, this was a very nice surprise! From the moment Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) makes his appearance in the film, one can feel the tension. A tension that never lights up and – on the contrary – intensifies immensely towards the final act. Interestingly enough, although Pommie is the antagonist, he remains a very likable character – a character I feel and care for, and who’s motives I completely understand and actually justifies.
It was also interesting to see Sparra (Alex Russell)’s character develop from an ex-convict now leading a clean existence, to becoming convict again, although unintentionally. This is a very different love story, and also a story of jealousy, and how far one would go for the person you love. Sullivan is really great in this film (and the rest of the cast as well). It is a role I never expected him to do, but he does it so incredibly well that I believed and liked everything about the character.
The film contains drama, action, suspense and romance in equal proportions.
