Downriver

James is returning home after serving time for his involvement in the drowning of a small boy – whose body was never recovered. Once he returns he soon realises that, even though he may have served time, the past has a way of not letting you forget and there are always consequences. So he decides to sort out once and for all what really took place all those years ago when, he too, was just a child.

Now to say anymore would ruin the surprises and there are more than enough here. It is the sort of film where the plot is not that difficult but the telling is all the better for not being so reliant on 'the twists' that have come to dominate so many of the 'thriller' genre. The tension and existential threat are ever present giving this a brooding quality that naturally make you want to keep watching. The acting is all completely convincing and Reef Ireland as James is particularly good as the returning bad boy.

This is from writer and director Grant Scicluna who has made a few shorts including 'The Wilding' which featured in the 'Boys on Film' franchise and was rather good too. For a first full length feature he has demonstrated what a reservoir of talent he has to offer and I can only wait in eager anticipation for his next outing – absolutely recommended.