My first experience with a film from Matthew Holmes, though I've heard good things about The Legend of Ben Hall.

The one thing I liked a lot about this film is that it left us debating. I saw this with a bunch of friends, and the way the story plays out and ends in a somewhat open way caused some fun discussion between us.

Though I can understand complaints about a predictable story, I don't think that necessarily takes away from the film. The story is still told in an engaging and gripping way and the cast delivered strong performances.

I really liked how Aussie Clayton Watson was in the role as the farmer Brian, and the tension in the campfire scene was one of the better moments of the film.

I'd definitely be keen to check more out from Matthew Holmes.

The history of how The Cost was able to be made at all, is almost as interesting as the film itself. So as there is no confusion for the benefit of other readers, this is no 'Shill' review from some angry bitter individual, who probably hasn't even seen the movie. This is a review from a highly critical cinema-goer, who likes to spend his pennies wisely.

Matthew Holmes, probably the most underrated and under supported film maker in Australia arsenal of talent decided to make a movie out of pure frustration in-between the small lifts of lockdown. Armed with a tiny crew and a strong concept, he approached the material with a practical sense of what could be achieved under such conditions. A noble cause indeed, but is it any good?

In a word - Yes.

Opening with a long build up, where you're not quite sure of who is who, we're introduced to three men. One has just been released from prison, the other two kidnap him and drag him to woods in the middle of nowhere, where it's revealed, he has served time for raping and killing a young woman. One of the men is her brother, the other is her husband. They intend to make him suffer, but at what cost to themselves?

The Cost asks the viewer some pretty uncomfortable questions. How far would you go for revenge if you knew the outcome would change you forever? That is the dilemma for both not only the characters but also our audience.

A film like this, with a tight cast and well written dialogue, is always going to stand or fall on the performances of the three leads. Fortunately the acting here is outstanding, and I do not give that compliment out lightly. Kevin Dee gives a raw, terrified performance as the criminal Troy, while Jordan Fraser-Trumble as the former husband David plays the uncertainty of his characters conviction to see things through with great skill. But it is the brooding performance of Damon Hunter here who steals the show. You suspect he could be every bit as dangerous as Troy, on any given day of the week, and this dynamic trio makes for riveting viewing. Only someone seeking to bash this film for the sake of their own importance, with absolutely no understanding of the craft of acting would critique these performances as any less than top quality. These are three actors who completely committed to the film and made it work. The tension builds thanks to the skilful direction of Holmes, and the tight screenplay, written by himself and Gregory Moss. This is an Australian Blood Simple for the modern era and the team involved should all be marked as people to watch out for.

Made for a mere fraction of what it would cost Hollywood this is independent film-making at its finest. I highly recommend this film, which while not without a few small flaws is well worth your time.

So I ask the Australian Production Power Houses and Gatekeepers, how many films does a filmmaker of the obvious talent that Mr Holmes clearly has in spades, have to make on his own before you will give him the support he so clearly deserves?

I attended the premier on 26/11/22 at Monsterfest in Carlton. Really loved this film. Violent yes - it is brutal to view - but every moment of it had a purpose. And every moment had consequences. Hard to say much without spoilers but it really is well worth seeing. Nothing about this film felt "low budget". The script was excellent - tight. No wasted words. But also really well edited. There was no moment where you thought it was dragging or a scene lacked purpose.

The quality of every person cast was spot on. There were moments were everything changed in their eyes - no words needed. You knew exactly what their character was going through right in that moment. The exact moment their entire thought process changed. Kudos for that.

The cinematography was sublime. A real stand out for me. I'm not a big fan of the current trend of overly shaky in your face camera work. Instead this was steady, emotive, crisp work that added to the overall feeling of the tense story. The chase through the forest was a particular cinematography highlight for me. I keep replaying it in my head over and over.

It was really lovely to meet cast and crew after the premier. Congratulations to everyone for a fine film.

Adding: Days later I am still thinking about certain scenes and what was going through each characters mind at that time. This is a film where the thoughts of ramifications really stay with you.