BAD BLOOD
Australia, 2016, 90 minutes, Colour.
Xavier Samuel, Morgan Griffin, Tess Fowler, Rob Macpherson, Elena Carapetis, Patrick Frost.
Directed by David Pulbrook.
Most of us enjoy a thriller now and then. Something a bit like the airport novels that keep us occupied and entertained.
One of the difficulties with this kind of film and for reviewers is that it is often too easy to give away serious aspects of the plot. And that would be fatal as regards Bad Blood. Best not to know anything about it before you see it.
But, it does begin with the murder, an accused murderer, his being acquitted, his coming from the United States to Adelaide, his publishing a book, his being in love – and this all within the first few minutes. But, by the 30 minute mark, there have been quite a number of clues, sinister indications, more than a touch of mystery.
One of things to say is that Adelaide photographs very nicely. The last part of the film takes place in the South Australian countryside, also photographing well.
Of course, one of the challenges of this kind of mystery is to formulate at least one theory, if not more, to be ready for the solution. This reviewer was perhaps being too smart with two possible theories, and opting for the one that was not correct!
The film is a starring vehicle for Xavier Samuel, becoming more well known for international films from the Twilight series to Anonymous to Love and Friendship, as well as being a substantial presence in homegrown films in Australia. The screenplay gives him quite a lot of scope for performance. Morgan Griffin is the veterinary expert with whom he is in love.
It can be said that there is quite a tradition of Australian films, with touches of horror, that take place in the bush, pleasant places being turned into sinister areas of fright in minutes. And the same here.
The title might be rather an obvious one but worth reflecting on. Whodunnit? Or did hedunnit it – so to speak?
1. An Australian thriller? Mystery? Twists?
2. The Adelaide settings, the city, homes and offices, bookshops? The South Australian countryside, the roads, the bush, the house? Interiors? The musical score?
3. The title, the levels of meaning, invents, with his twin brother?
4. A film about twins, good and evil, the introduction of the theme, the revelation, plausibility, Gilroy and his past story, the mother going to America, taking Vincent? Vincent growing up in America, his marriage, the murder of his wife, the acquittal, the CCTV footage – and the role of Gilroy? Gilroy approaching Vincent, in the car, the phone calls, the murder of the young woman, the rejection of the money?
5. Xavier Samuel and his performances each of the twins? Differentiating them in character and performance? Vincent story, his grief, writing the book, working with Rose, the promotion of the book, the signing, the ominous suggestions, his relationship with Carrie, the meal, proposing – and the disturbance in the restaurant? Together with Carrie, the plans?
6. Vincent, the taxi, going into the hall, the stage, his brother the revelation, the murder of the young woman? Vincent’s reaction?
7. The decision to go to the country, Carrie and Vincent together, Kate as her roommate and the Communications? In the country, Gilroy taking over? The audience knowing and not knowing? Carrie, the sexual encounter, the meal, his manner of eating, drinking wine when Vincent didn’t?
8. Carrie, the communication with Kate, the issue of phones, possible connections, the failure of phones? Carrie and her leaving?
9. The confrontation, the sense of menace in the bush, the chase, Carrie hiding, the keys of the car, Gilroy waiting for her, the crash, her fleeing? The rifle?
10. The discovery of the death of Rose? Peter and his visit, the gift of the tomatoes, his being murdered? Mitchell, with the police in Adelaide, from America, travelling, the confrontation, investigation, his being shot?
11. Carrie finding Vincent, chained, preparing a strategy, her going back to the house, hiding? The confrontation in the shed, the knife? The stabbings, the survivor – Vincent on not? Carrie uncertain? Vincent finally coming and killing his brother?
12. Popular ingredients for this kind of thriller entertainment?
