Drown (2015)

Great Film overall

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

One of the worst films I've seen in a long time, gay themed or otherwise. There isn't one minute of this film that doesn't ring false. The relationships between the three characters is so far fetch that you spend every minute thinking that there is no way in hell these three would spend time together. If any one thinks this is an important gay film they must suffer from the same low self esteem and self loathing that the main character does. Are we really supposed to believe that someone who has a loving relationship with a seemingly very nice guy would give his antagonist the chance to repeatedly, and I mean repeatedly, torment and physically abuse him? Where is the logic in that? Any self respecting gay man would have had his tormentor throw in jail after the first scene and he could have saved us the torture that repeatedly followed. A total waste of time that is painful to watch.

Len is top dog at his surf club; he is the winner of everything and an alpha male with attitude. His 'mates' are al macho grand standing rugger bugger types who tick all the relevant cliché boxes and expect him to do likewise. He is also a top life saver and has a penchant for Budgie smugglers. His best mate is called 'Meat' in reference to him being overly endowed in the trouser department and is a simple soul who does what Len tells him.Then new kid turns up and saves a life on his first day and then starts to steal Len's thunder. This is Phil – Jack Mathews of 'Neighbours' fame. Phil is also gay and on a drunken night out things come to a head – no pun intended. Len is jealous of and apparently both attracted and repelled by this new man. The problem is the old adage of 'in vino veritas' hangs true – but not everyone can accept their truths.Now this is just excellent; Matt Levett as Len is exceptional as the troubled sports star and brings a menace to the screen that is tempered by the fear and loathing that make up his complex character. As Quentin Crisp said 'some roughs are pretty queer and some queers are pretty rough' this can certainly be applied to Len. The use of editing is brilliant and adds to the immediacy of the whole piece. There is a constant throb of homo eroticism that intermingles with the ordinariness of what is actually happening and juxtaposes all the emotions that the players are going through.The cinematography is truly brilliant too and that is by Dean Francis who co-edited; so I hope to see more good stuff from him. Please don't get me wrong, this is a hard watch in places and is painfully visceral when it needs to be; but I really appreciate cinema that pushes the boundaries – can illicit emotion and leaves you feeling that you have seen something special – absolutely recommended.

I was fortunate enough to attend an intimate screening of DROWN in Katoomba this weekend, and the experience was intense and thought provoking, offering a different take on the gay culture often portrayed on film. DROWN is an Australian film directed beautifully by Dean Francis and based on the controversial play written by Stephen Davis. The story explores the relationship of three guys, Len, 'Meat' and Phil, all of whom are lifesavers, with Phil being the latest addition to the Lifesaver club. Phil's strength and skill as a lifesaver brings out Len's competitive nature. Similarly, Phil's sexuality is the catalyst that exposes Len's dark side, insecurities and his very obvious struggles preventing him from confronting his own sexual identity. DROWN is unashamedly unafraid to explore the manifestation of homophobia in a world where unflinching mate-ship and machoism come before true acceptance of ones self. The story will make you uncomfortable, and it has some confronting moments; but, that is why it should be watched, and that is why it is relevant in 2015. There are some beautiful scenes of tanned bodies, sun and surf that play to some of Sydney's beauty, but the juxtaposition with some of the flashbacks and unfolding moments in the present remind us of the darkness that lingers. These expertly edited flashbacks, in equal part, build suspense and provide insight into the confusing, terrifying and tragic decisions made by the key protagonist, Len. Without these flashbacks it would be easy to dismiss Len as a manic, crazy c**t, and that's not to say he isn't, however, we have an opportunity to empathise with his struggle and consider the ways in which humans are shaped, molded and influenced. Throughout the film you are fed just enough information to consider, more deeply, why the characters do, or don't do, certain things. This is important because there are some completely frustrating moments where you will question the actions, or inactions, of some characters (you may even want to scream at the screen). The acting in this film is nothing short of inspired. The three lead men should be so proud. Their performances are brutal and feel painfully raw. It most certainly could not have been an easy experience, even for the most gifted of actors. I'm not aware of any other film that so deeply explores homophobia and bullying. It is a story that will make you feel.This film opens up the opportunity to have a conversation about gay culture, bullying, homophobia and the struggles that exist about sexual identity. See this film, and then talk about it.Congratulations to Dean, Stephen and the entire cast and creative team for delivering an Australian film that has been masterfully crafted.

So completely knocked out by the direction, acting, filming, editing, music, the whole package. I'm 73 years old, worked in the film industry and have to say it's in the top ten Aussie films I have ever seen. I mean that. It's quintessentially Aussie. I know all the characters, worked with them, trained with them, been close to them, have known them, have seen their doubts, their tears, their unrequited love. So much pain has been thrown at us in this film. It's a testament to how hard it is for Aussie males to admit to themselves what their mates truly mean to them. I quietly showed this film to two lifeguards who both ended up in tears when we talked about it. They thought that the theme would relate to any sport, job, workplace or school in Australia. It may become a sleeper, it may become a cult but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. This film is worthy of more than one Aussie award.