Limbo

Set against the backdrop of Australia's outback region, Limbo is an unsettling crime drama that sees Detective Simon Baker investigate a 20-year-old cold case involving an Aboriginal woman who went missing years ago. Written by Ivan Sen (who also directed) and featuring his unique score, Limbo presents viewers with raw emotion while driving home how injustice has scarred both land and people.

The film uses breathtaking black-and-white cinematography to create an ominous atmosphere that emphasises isolation and desolation - further underscoring each character's plight through extended shots coupled with minimal dialogue that helps viewers feel every ounce of pain each character experiences. The location is a key element in Limbo, from the rusted-out cars to the deserted streets and lunar-like landscapes.

Themes such as guilt are explored poignantly in Limbo. At the same time, it delves deep into redemption whilst examining limbo as both physical space or spiritual states - touching on heavier subjects sensitively throughout its runtime.

Simon Baker transforms into this jaded detective plagued by heroin addiction - delivering the best performance I have seen from him. The remaining cast, including Rob Collins and Natasha Wanganeen, also deliver great performances as they each process their painful coping mechanisms. Nicholas Hope delivers a standout performance as an enigmatic prospector in Limbo. His portrayal brings an element of mystery tinged with menace. Another significant positive of the film is Sen's atmospheric score which blends electronic sounds with traditional acoustic instruments to create a compelling mood filled with melancholy notes underscored by tension. This all combines into making Limbo what could be considered an acquired taste film - one that not everyone will find gripping due to its unhurried pacing coupled with, at times, disheartening themes. Limbo does not offer superficial resolutions but instead prompts us into introspection on Australian culture, both past and present.

Despite its dark themes and melancholy pace, I recommend viewing it by those who love artistic expression and deeper social considerations. I liked it.

If you're looking for a violent, action-packed, Hollywood-type film you won't find it here & you'll probably write a snarky IMDB review. If, however, you prefer strong characterization, atmospheric settings, a gripping plot & perfect casting, this is your cup of Aussie tea. I was halfway through the film before I realized it was B/W - I only knew that the general feel of the extraordinary setting grabbed me from the first couple of minutes. Simon Baker is in top form & the rest of the casting was perfect for each role. The story line is strong and the film doesn't deviate from the central plot, but we are given a broad picture of all other characters and their relationship to the main conflict - it all works seamlessly yet intricately. This is one of the best films I've seen in a long time & happily recommend it.

I was hesitant to watch it but as it got further into the movie I was hooked. I loved it being shot in black and white, and the area it was shot in was amazing. Simon Baker played his role so well and I think this is one of his best movies.

The movie does touch on a subject that lots of people dont like talking about between the whites and the indigenous. It was mentioned that if it was a white girl that had gone missing a lot more would have been done but as she wasn't nothing was done to find the person who did it. The ending well....you should watch it and I think you will be surprised by it.

Limbo is a murder mystery, but more importantly, it is the story of prejudice, neglect, and discrimination.

A detective from the city (unwillingly?) came (to review a 20 yrs old cold case of the murder of an aboriginal girl) to a remote outback city fittingly named Limbo, coz the city as well as the residents seem to be in a perpetual state of limbo.

The motel, where he stays, the residence of key characters, and a few other buildings are repurposed (old & abandoned) opal mines, giving the city a medieval feel. The attitude of authorities (law and order) towards the majority aboriginal community is of racism and apathy and can be best described as medieval. This is also reflected in their profession, at least the way the investigation was done in this particular case. The key characters are also in a state of emotional limbo - the battered detective (with a failed marriage and an estranged kid) and the victim's siblings with the feeling of bitterness, frustration, and helplessness, are unable to move on in life due to the injustice done and lack of a closer.

The slow pace of the narrative, characters, and camera added with minimal dialogues and hauntingly beautiful black & white cinematography, especially the slow, panning, wide-angle drone shots at night, enhances this feeling and you feel that you are in limbo too.

Very atmospheric strong drama with charismatic Simon Baker subtly reminiscent of Walter White: calm masculinity and brokenness.

Filmed beautifully. Black and white film convincingly and vividly conveys heat, heat and hopelessness.

It's true. The acting is excellent. I believe in this story. It will probably be difficult for those who have not lived in small dying towns, who have not experienced the melancholy of impoverished provincial life, to appreciate this film. But this is what happens in life - unfair and cruel. And in order to survive, and not go crazy, you need to find the strength to let go of the situation and move on.