Watch The Dry

The Dry, released in 2020, is an Australian mystery-thriller that grabs the attention of audiences worldwide with its intense plot and endearing characters. Directed by Robert Connolly, the movie is based on the best-selling novel of the same name penned by Jane Harper. The story is set in the small rural town of Kiewarra, where drought and tragedy have sucked the life out of the community. Aaron Falk (Eric Bana), a Federal Agent, returns to his hometown after twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood best friend Luke. Luke allegedly kills his family, including his wife and son, before committing suicide.

The entire town is in shock, and many don't believe that Luke is capable of such brutal acts. Luke's parents hire Aaron to investigate the case and clear their son's name. Although Aaron is hesitant to get involved, he agrees to visit the town, hoping to get to the bottom of things and shut all the rumors around him.

As he delves deeper into the investigation, Aaron realizes that the crime happened due to a tragic past event, and uncovering the shocking truth could lead to several dark secrets coming to the light of the day. With a limited amount of time, Aaron sets out to unravel the truth while keeping his personal life from the past at bay.

Eric Bana delivers a standout performance as Aaron Falk. From the first scene, we can see the pain and guilt etched on his face. The Dry marks a fantastic return to form for the actor, and he conveys a world of emotions with his expressions more than anyone might expect. Bana portrays a man with a traumatic past who wants proper closure, and his interactions with other characters make his portrayal all the more relatable.

Genevieve O'Reilly is equally impressive as Gretchen, Luke's former love interest who had a dark history with Aaron. She is raw, dramatic, and conveys Gretchen's pain and deep emotional scars perfectly.

Keir O'Donnell plays Gretchen's husband, a skeptic of Aaron's vengeance and motives. His standoffish personality and simmering doubt in his personality make him unpredictable and tense, providing complex energy to the film's mystery element.

The movie has a dark, atmospheric look that perfectly suits the mood of the narrative. The director, Robert Connolly, captured the scenic beauty of the Australian countryside, giving the movie an authentic feel. The sound design is remarkable, and the score is well-suited to the movie's emotions and ambiance.

The Dry draws the audience in with the mystery of the crime and the whodunit factor. The movie continually keeps the audience guessing and questioning their assumptions. The character development, outstanding performances, and the astounding level of depth in the storyline make the climax of the movie a fitting and satisfying end to the journey.

Overall, The Dry is a thrilling and thought-provoking mystery, hinging on an unforgettable and heartbreaking murder. It showcases the harsh realities of living in a small town, the suffering of drought, and the heavy influence of rumors and secrets. The movie is an emotional roller-coaster that explores themes of guilt, regret, and revenge. A must-watch for lovers of mysteries and dramas.

The Dry is a 2021 crime movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 69.