Watch Shame

Shame is a 1988 Australian drama film set in the early 1900s, directed by Steve Jodrell and starring Deborra-Lee Furness, Tony Barry, Simone Buchanan, and Gillian Jones. The film revolves around Asta Cadell, a young woman who returns to her hometown after having been away for several years. Upon her return, Asta discovers that a number of her childhood friends have been brutally raped and attacked by an unknown assailant. Despite the fact that the police are unable to apprehend the perpetrator, Asta takes it upon herself to investigate the crimes, which were mostly committed against young girls.

As Asta delves deeper into the investigation, she comes across several individuals who could be potential suspects, including a prominent businessman and a mysterious drifter. However, her investigation soon becomes complicated when she falls in love with the drifter, thereby creating a conflict of interest that threatens to complicate her efforts to find the culprit.

The film explores themes of sexual violence, trauma, and vigilantism, as Asta’s quest for justice becomes increasingly personal and obsessive. Through vivid flashbacks and dream sequences, the film also delves into Asta’s troubled past and her own experiences with sexual violence, which complicate her interactions with the people around her.

One of the standout features of the film is Furness’ performance as Asta, which is both vulnerable and fiercely determined. Her portrayal of a survivor of sexual assault who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice is both powerful and nuanced. The film also boasts a haunting and atmospheric score by Cameron Allan, which captures the eerie and foreboding tone of the story.

Shame is a film that was ahead of its time, tackling issues of sexual violence and trauma in a way that was bold and unflinching. While the film’s ending may be divisive, it’s hard to deny the emotional impact of Asta’s journey and the film’s exploration of trauma and its aftermath. Overall, Shame is a powerful and moving drama that remains relevant more than three decades after its release.

Shame is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.