Review of Strangerland

I like Nicole Kidman and Joseph Fiennes. They act well, and go all out here. The movie is set in a fairly desolate place. Beautiful is some ways but unforgiving. The story is meant to keep the viewer tense and off balance. It's a basic disappearance story of someone's children. Not much of a back story, but some things unfold as the story progresses. I wouldn't recommend it for someone wanting a feel good optimism type narrative. It's bleak. Nicole Kidman likes these kind of roles that are challenging and driving mad. Other elements of the movie like other characters are pretty much non existent except the local policeman handling the case. There is a little acting in it for the kids and the daughter and son are slightly off which leaves you guessing why they took off into the desert. The daughter is promiscuous. Strange family unit indeed. It's not for everyone. I like it for DVD for someone/adult who loves movies, and wants to see some decent acting. Nicole is still pretty hot, and the daughter is cute too.

Directing-7 Acting-8 Cinematography-6 Screenplay-6 MusicalScore-6 Editing-6 Production-5