Watch Redfern Now: Promise Me

Redfern Now: Promise Me is a 2015 Australian drama film written by Jon Bell and directed by Rachel Perkins. It stars Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair, and Rarriwuy Hick in lead roles. The film is a spin-off from the successful television series Redfern Now, which follows the lives of the Indigenous community in the Sydney suburb of Redfern.

The story is centered around a family, the Gibbs, who have been through several traumas in their lives. The matriarch of the family, Nona (Mailman), is determined to keep the family alive, but the death of her son Ray (Aaron Pedersen) has left her lost and struggling to keep the family together. Her daughter Lorraine (Lisa Flanagan) has been released from prison and is trying to make amends for her past mistakes, but her actions are causing tension within the family. Meanwhile, Nona's other daughter, Maddy (Hick), is caught between her loyalty to her sister and her desire to keep her family together.

The film touches upon several themes, including family, grief, forgiveness, and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous Australians. It depicts the harsh realities faced by the Indigenous community in Australia, including racism, poverty, and discrimination. The story explores the different ways that each member of the Gibbs family copes with trauma, and how their trauma affects their relationships with each other.

The performances by the lead actors are exceptional, particularly Deborah Mailman, who delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Nona. Wayne Blair, who also starred in the original Redfern Now series, delivers a strong performance as Nona's nephew Shane, who tries to help the family come to terms with their trauma. Rarriwuy Hick, who plays Maddy, gives a moving performance as a young woman caught in the middle of the family's turmoil.

The cinematography and music in the film are also noteworthy. The film makes excellent use of the urban backdrop of Redfern, capturing both the beauty and the grittiness of the setting. The music is a mix of contemporary and traditional Indigenous music and adds an emotional depth to the film.

Redfern Now: Promise Me is a powerful film that portrays the complexities of family relationships and the struggles faced by Indigenous Australians on a daily basis. The film ends on a hopeful note, with the family coming together to face their trauma head-on and move forward together. The film is a great example of Australian cinema and an important contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding Indigenous issues in Australia.

In conclusion, Redfern Now: Promise Me is a must-watch for those who enjoyed the original Redfern Now series and those who are interested in Australian cinema. The film's powerful performances, important themes and beautiful cinematography make it a standout movie. It is a touching and emotional story that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.