"The Snowtown Murders": Hide the Gore Highlight the Fear

After a very short run earlier this year at the Egyptian Theater here in LA, and with no other wider release, "The Snowtown Murders" is finally out on DVD and to watch instantly on Netflix. The title refers to a series of murders that were committed in the late 90's in a small town in the south of Australia. These crimes are famous because they gave Australia its most vicious serial killer John Bunting, played here by Daniel Henshall. This is Justin Kurzel's first feature, and it is a great debut. The film really creates a conflict for the audience given the fact that Bunting justifies his murders with the premise that his victims deserve it : Pedophiles, junkies, rapists. The people that get involved with him fall for his charisma (as usual with serial killers and cult leaders), he becomes like a father figure for the boys that eventually are under his wing. Bunting's favorite is Jamie (Lucas Pittaway) the most vulnerable of the bunch, he becomes Bunting's disciple and becomes terrified of him after he sees, and eventually helps commit the murders.

If you are looking for gore, guts and full on sadism this is not the film. There are a few violent scenes, but they serve to release some the tension and atmosphere that is created. Many scenes are shot from outside a door, between walls, like hiding, being a silent witness of the darkness that is unfolding. Pittaway is great as Jamie, the transformation both physical and psychological he suffers are devastating and the pain and uncertainty are palpable in his performance. Remember this film is based on a real story, on real vicious acts that were condone by a community of people, at first for seeming as a neighborhood cleansing, and then just for the thrill of feeling powerful by taking another life.

It is a very disturbing film because of its lack of blood and full frontal violence, the subtle danger creates a more powerful effect in the audience psyche. The small sounds, the slow pace Kurzel uses to show the environment, and the internal decaying of the characters around Bunting create a sense of distress in every frame. If you are up for a real revelation of narrative skills and great performances, dive in. For all what it accomplishes, the film still lacks a bit of a punch, a more powerful note to bring all the built tension home; nevertheless, it is a compelling film. By the way, the last shot is perfect way to end such a bleak piece. Grade B+