Watch A Silent Agreement

A Silent Agreement is a thought-provoking Australian drama that delves into the complex emotions surrounding the idea of assisted suicide, or euthanasia. Released in 2017, the movie follows the story of three friends: Carl (Davo Hardy), a successful businessman who is terminally ill; Mark (Joshua Sealy), a loyal friend who is struggling to come to terms with Carl's decision to end his life; and Anthony (Paul Mercurio), a compassionate doctor who agrees to help Carl achieve a peaceful death. The film is directed and written by Davo Hardy himself.

The plot of A Silent Agreement revolves around Carl's desire to end his own life on his own terms, as he struggles with the physical and emotional pain of his illness. He turns to Mark, his closest friend, for support and help in making his final decision. Mark, however, is deeply conflicted by the idea of euthanasia, and finds himself questioning his own beliefs and morals in the face of Carl's request.

As the story unfolds, we see the three characters grappling with their own demons and doubts, as they navigate the difficult terrain of assisted suicide. The movie doesn't shy away from the challenging ethical questions and moral debates that surround this controversial issue, but instead delves deep into the emotional and psychological impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.

One of the most striking aspects of A Silent Agreement is its exploration of the relationship between Carl and Mark, and the layers of complexity and nuance that underpin their friendship. As Carl faces his own mortality, he begins to question the nature of their bond, and wonders whether Mark is truly capable of supporting him in his final moments. Meanwhile, Mark is forced to reconcile his own views on euthanasia with his loyalty to his friend, and the impact that Carl's death will have on his own life.

Another key character in the movie is Anthony, the doctor who ultimately agrees to assist Carl in ending his life. Anthony embodies the compassionate, caring side of the medical profession, and is deeply committed to helping his patients alleviate their suffering, no matter what form that takes. However, he too must navigate the moral and ethical complexities of this situation, and grapple with his own doubts and fears around the idea of euthanasia.

The film is shot with a minimalistic, understated aesthetic, that allows the characters and their emotions to take centre stage. The use of naturalistic lighting and intimate camera angles creates a sense of raw honesty and authenticity, that helps to draw the viewer in and empathise with the characters' struggles.

Overall, A Silent Agreement is a deeply moving and thought-provoking movie that tackles one of the most challenging ethical issues of our time with sensitivity and compassion. It doesn't provide easy answers or pat solutions, but instead invites us to engage in a complex, nuanced conversation about what it means to truly live, and how we can best support those who are facing the end of their lives.