Last Updated on July 30, 2021
PLOT: The life of Ned Kelly is explored in this stylish and violent, yet not entirely factual, adaptation of the novel by Peter Carey.
REVIEW: Ned Kelly is a legendary historical figure. The bushranger from Australia has certainly left an impression on the world, and his story has been told a few times before. And now, in the new film TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG – based on the novel by Peter Carey – we are witness to a sort of punk rock inspired “true life” take on Ned and the Kelly Gang. Yet the title is quite ironic considering that much of what is on-screen is fictionalized or exaggerated similarly to the novel itself. However, taking a bit of dramatic license to tell this story proves to be an interesting exploration between tall tale and legend. While many of the events that occur in the film happened in real life, this feature explores it as a near mythical crime drama, one that is brutal, provocative and fascinating. It also offers exceptional work from George MacKay, Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie – who portrays a fictional love interest to Kelly.
Even as a young boy, Ned Kelly (Orlando Schwerdt) realized that his family had to fight, especially after seeing how his mother handles the powers that be, including a slimy yet slightly sympathetic Sgt. O’Neil (Charlie Hunnam). After dealing with his own father being sent to prison, Ned’s mother sells her oldest sons' services to a fellow by the name of Harry Power (Russell Crowe) to learn about the outside world. After his own disillusionment with Power and a brief stint in jail himself, Ned returns home as an adult, this time played by 1917 star, George MacKay. Upon his arrival, he comes to the realization that in an unfair world, the poor should rise up and fight back against the establishment. Along with his brothers, and a dear friend named Joe Byrne (Sean Keenan), Ned and his gang face a monumental challenge against authorities, until a vicious and bloody shoot out, one that helped cement Kelly as a cult figure in Australia.
Director Justin Kurzel has been involved in a couple of intriguing features including the haunting THE SNOWTOWN MURDERS, as well as his own stylized take on MACBETH. While, in many ways, this particular story feels intensely small and personal, Kurzel paints a gorgeous picture that seems tailor made for Ned Kelly and his iconic status. From the incredible opening scene to the final frame, there is a sense of beauty even when the ugliness of humanity is on full display. While the material is certainly dark, Kurzel, along with screenwriter Shaun Grant, manage to bring a bit of humor to the savagery. While the on-screen violence isn’t at all over the top, there is an underlying darkness that intensifies as the film progresses, leading to a thrilling final act.
While we don’t see MacKay as Kelly until nearly forty minutes into the just over two hour feature, young Orlando Schwerdt is absolutely terrific as young Ned witnessing disillusionment and tragedy much too early in his life. It’s an impressive performance, especially for an actor his age with only a couple of credits. And then there is George MacKay. The actor is exceptional here as Ned Kelly. From his dealings with authority figures such as Sgt. O’Neil and Constable Fitzpatrick (Nicholas Hoult), to his intense relationship with his best friend Joe, each reveal a layer of who Ned Kelly is. It’s a brilliant performance from an actor who has already proven to be incredibly versatile with films like this, 1917, PRIDE and CAPTAIN FANTASTIC.
The driving force behind this story is the relationship Ned had with his mother, Ellen Kelly. Played by Essie Davis, Ellen is cruel, manipulative, and even still, a strangely loving mother to Ned and her children. Davis fearlessly tackles the role exploring her complicated, and slightly sadistic relationship to the world around her. It’s such a stunning turn that watching both her and MacKay play off of each other is quite a treat. As well, the relationship she shares with Ned as a boy is especially disturbing. Instead of looking for the good, Davis brings fire and brimstone to the woman willing to sacrifice her own children if it suits her needs. It’s an intricate relationship that continually moves the story along. Here’s hoping that both Davis and MacKay will be remembered during the upcoming award season.
The TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG is a slow burn of a feature, yet the stunning performances from both George MacKay and Essie Davis help bring this historical tale to life. Justin Kurzel has crafted an impressive motion picture, one that takes a bit of time to get going, but once it does there is much to admire. Considering that the film is based on a novel that doesn’t quite paint the most accurate portrayal of Ned Kelly, you still get a sense of his infamy and why he’s become such a powerful figure in history. As well, this is the type of feature you’ll want to fully invest in without distractions. The details explored are done so without spelling every single layer out simply to make it easy for the audience. This is a smartly crafted tale with a little bit of a punk rock vibe – courtesy of its impressive soundtrack and style – brought to life by the outstanding work from both Davis and MacKay.
TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG premieres this Friday On Demand and Digital. And if you happen to live near Los Angles, you can catch the film on the big screen at the Mission Tiki 4 Drive-In in Montclair.
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