Watch Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue is a gripping and intense drama from 2006 that explores the devastating aftermath of a tragic event that shakes a small New Zealand town to its core. Directed by Robert Sarkies, the film is based on the true story of the Aramoana massacre, which took place in 1990 and remains one of the deadliest shooting incidents in the country's history. The movie stars Matthew Sunderland as David Gray, a disturbed and isolated man who goes on a killing spree, and Stuart Mathieson and Natalie Ellis as the police officers who try to stop him.

The movie begins with a serene and peaceful view of the coastal town of Aramoana, where residents and visitors enjoy a tranquil lifestyle. Suddenly, a gunshot shatters the calm, and the camera pans to reveal David Gray, a loner who has been living in a caravan near the beach. Gray is seen calmly walking through the deserted streets, carrying a rifle and a shotgun, and shooting anyone he sees. He kills his neighbors, strangers, and even pets, without any apparent motive or hesitation.

As the chaos unfolds, the police receive frantic calls and try to mobilize a response. Mathieson plays Nick Harvey, a local officer who rushes to the scene with his partner, Helen Dickson (Natalie Ellis), a recent transfer from Dunedin. They find themselves in a nightmarish situation, facing an armed and dangerous assailant who seems unstoppable. The standoff between the police and Gray lasts for more than two hours, during which many more lives are lost or changed forever.

What follows is a harrowing and emotional portrayal of the tragic events, as seen from multiple perspectives. The movie delves into the lives of some of the victims and their families, as well as the motives and mental state of the killer. Sunderland gives a chilling performance as Gray, a man who has been tormented by personal demons and societal pressures, and who sees violence as his only way out. Mathieson and Ellis are equally compelling as the brave officers who risk their lives to protect their community, while also facing their own doubts and fears.

The film's cinematography and soundtrack add to the tense and eerie atmosphere, capturing the beauty of the surroundings as well as the horror of the violence. The stark contrast between the idyllic scenery and the brutal reality is one of the movie's main themes, highlighting how a seemingly peaceful place can be ruined by one person's actions.

Overall, Out of the Blue is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that tackles a difficult subject with skill and sensitivity. It honors the victims of the Aramoana massacre and raises important questions about mental health, gun control, and the impact of violence on communities. It is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime stories or human psychology.

Out of the Blue is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 70.