39 reviews
What is it with Aussie movies, they seem to do everything right, i cannot remember the time I have watched any that have been bad from Picnic At Ayres Rock to Mel Gibson in Mad Max and now we have Brothers Nest.
From the very start the movie draws you in and intrigues the viewer to want more, almost the perfect start to any movie. Then we have the dialogue and comedy which just sparkles and scintillates with every word; I could not stop laughing from lines like "Ice Junkies always use box cutters" to the conversation about wives it is absolutely magic the chemistry between the two main characters whom I believe are actually brothers in real life.
The movie proceeds with aplomb and eventually punches the viewer in the guts with a totally horrifying end belying all that came before and gives the viewer a real mind bender to think over. This is Dark Comedy at its finest!!!
From the very start the movie draws you in and intrigues the viewer to want more, almost the perfect start to any movie. Then we have the dialogue and comedy which just sparkles and scintillates with every word; I could not stop laughing from lines like "Ice Junkies always use box cutters" to the conversation about wives it is absolutely magic the chemistry between the two main characters whom I believe are actually brothers in real life.
The movie proceeds with aplomb and eventually punches the viewer in the guts with a totally horrifying end belying all that came before and gives the viewer a real mind bender to think over. This is Dark Comedy at its finest!!!
A good solid film correctly badged black comedy. Well carried off by the two brothers and builds to a suitably dark ending. Made to a budget but I've seen worse films meant to be blockbusters.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like the Coen brothers movies as it's in much the same vein
I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like the Coen brothers movies as it's in much the same vein
- Vindelander
- Aug 7, 2019
- Permalink
The movie's slow start, even close to midway through had me quite bored, up until about 30 some minutes left of it. Turned out to be a pretty decent movie. I was impressed.
- renonguttsu
- Oct 14, 2018
- Permalink
This small Aussie gem is filled with a plethora of psychological, existential and family related questions posited, often answered in surprising and unexpected ways. That it does this while being funny and thrilling is an accomplishment.
Terry and Jeff feel slighted. Their mother is dying, and in their eyes, step father Roger is taking advantage of her by willingly accepting their childhood home as part of her will.
The only answer is obvious. They must kill him, naturally.
Entering his house in orange overalls under the darkness of morning, Jeff begins to go through the plan with his brother. Only this isn't a conversation, the plan is represented by a convenient, harmless looking checklist. Terry's reaction to seeing what they plan to do listed on paper is understandable, but what lingers under his skin is the fact that his brother seems so non-nonchalant about the entire situation.
As if they aren't planning to kill their step-father and then to make it look like a suicide.
Terry remarks that if he didn't know any better, he'd have thought that Jeff had done this before, with every detail meticulously thought through. Apart from the obvious requirement for gloves, he goes a few extra steps bordering on the obsessive compulsive, including no opening of the fridge as that could cause a power surge. The same applies to the toilet:: the water pump goes off and electricity is used.
Enter the use of piss-bottles. If he wants to take a crap Terry asks, Jeff calmly replies that unless he wants to get his hands particularly dirty, he'll hold it in like a big boy.
Each item on the agenda is carefully timed so that they can get the jump on Roger while having everything planned to perfection. But nothing is perfect, and once Murphey's Law kicks in, and after much shenanigans, their plans go awry. They still though insist on maintaining their alibi for their mother: that they are in Sydney, while using a cassette tape of the noises of a big city to fool her. Scruples are not something either brother possess.
It soon turns into a thrilling guessing game as to what surprise lies around the next corner. The deeper into the situation the brothers get, the more they disagree on what is happening, the darkness of the entire situation, it is here where the fact that the two actors are brothers in reality becomes obvious, as this sort of conflict, such deep verbal jabs, this chemistry between the brothers on screen could never have been apparent if this weren't the case.
Terry begins to wonder what he is capable of, knowing his mother is only has a few months left to live and he plans to kill her partner during her final days, but furthermore, despite knowing his brother so well, he can never be sure of what he is capable of either. This is amplified by Clayton Jacobson's muted, almost emotionless performance as Jeff.
Comparisons to Coen films are not far off, as this is a dry film. It is also filled with dark humour, at first subtle but it increases as the action increases, not unlike a Coen film. The laughs come despite violence on-screen. When Roger unexpectedly arrives at the house early, the two jolt into action that they weren't prepared for, forcing them to act in ways they may not have. Suddenly, the carefully planned timetable is useless. Yet the laughs still come, if one has a twisted sense of humour. There is a definite Australian character to the laughs, not unlike Chopper.
Interestingly, their biological father killed himself when they were children, a traumatic event that still lingers, with many thoughts going unsaid. This could be seen as a family drama wrapped up in a darkly comedic thriller. Perhaps their father's suicide provided that extra motivation to get the ugly deed over with. Or perhaps it just gave Jeff the idea, as he is certainly the one in charge.
As seamlessly as this turns from an interesting premise into a thrilling movie with laughs probably more appropriate for a lunatic, there is an uncommon complaint to be found. Almost every aspect of this film is near perfect, especially the aforementioned chemistry between real brothers Clayton and Shane. And the sense of humour. And the dread that consumes the film very quickly. But it feels like this chamber-piece is over too quickly, that the psychological and existential implications of what transpires aren't fully explored. This is admittedly nit-picking, but the ending does feel underwhelming given what preceded it. Regardless, Brothers' Nest is an extremely memorable film made on a typically shoestring Australia film budget.
Funny, dark, unpredictable. Coen-esque. What else could one ask for?
Terry and Jeff feel slighted. Their mother is dying, and in their eyes, step father Roger is taking advantage of her by willingly accepting their childhood home as part of her will.
The only answer is obvious. They must kill him, naturally.
Entering his house in orange overalls under the darkness of morning, Jeff begins to go through the plan with his brother. Only this isn't a conversation, the plan is represented by a convenient, harmless looking checklist. Terry's reaction to seeing what they plan to do listed on paper is understandable, but what lingers under his skin is the fact that his brother seems so non-nonchalant about the entire situation.
As if they aren't planning to kill their step-father and then to make it look like a suicide.
Terry remarks that if he didn't know any better, he'd have thought that Jeff had done this before, with every detail meticulously thought through. Apart from the obvious requirement for gloves, he goes a few extra steps bordering on the obsessive compulsive, including no opening of the fridge as that could cause a power surge. The same applies to the toilet:: the water pump goes off and electricity is used.
Enter the use of piss-bottles. If he wants to take a crap Terry asks, Jeff calmly replies that unless he wants to get his hands particularly dirty, he'll hold it in like a big boy.
Each item on the agenda is carefully timed so that they can get the jump on Roger while having everything planned to perfection. But nothing is perfect, and once Murphey's Law kicks in, and after much shenanigans, their plans go awry. They still though insist on maintaining their alibi for their mother: that they are in Sydney, while using a cassette tape of the noises of a big city to fool her. Scruples are not something either brother possess.
It soon turns into a thrilling guessing game as to what surprise lies around the next corner. The deeper into the situation the brothers get, the more they disagree on what is happening, the darkness of the entire situation, it is here where the fact that the two actors are brothers in reality becomes obvious, as this sort of conflict, such deep verbal jabs, this chemistry between the brothers on screen could never have been apparent if this weren't the case.
Terry begins to wonder what he is capable of, knowing his mother is only has a few months left to live and he plans to kill her partner during her final days, but furthermore, despite knowing his brother so well, he can never be sure of what he is capable of either. This is amplified by Clayton Jacobson's muted, almost emotionless performance as Jeff.
Comparisons to Coen films are not far off, as this is a dry film. It is also filled with dark humour, at first subtle but it increases as the action increases, not unlike a Coen film. The laughs come despite violence on-screen. When Roger unexpectedly arrives at the house early, the two jolt into action that they weren't prepared for, forcing them to act in ways they may not have. Suddenly, the carefully planned timetable is useless. Yet the laughs still come, if one has a twisted sense of humour. There is a definite Australian character to the laughs, not unlike Chopper.
Interestingly, their biological father killed himself when they were children, a traumatic event that still lingers, with many thoughts going unsaid. This could be seen as a family drama wrapped up in a darkly comedic thriller. Perhaps their father's suicide provided that extra motivation to get the ugly deed over with. Or perhaps it just gave Jeff the idea, as he is certainly the one in charge.
As seamlessly as this turns from an interesting premise into a thrilling movie with laughs probably more appropriate for a lunatic, there is an uncommon complaint to be found. Almost every aspect of this film is near perfect, especially the aforementioned chemistry between real brothers Clayton and Shane. And the sense of humour. And the dread that consumes the film very quickly. But it feels like this chamber-piece is over too quickly, that the psychological and existential implications of what transpires aren't fully explored. This is admittedly nit-picking, but the ending does feel underwhelming given what preceded it. Regardless, Brothers' Nest is an extremely memorable film made on a typically shoestring Australia film budget.
Funny, dark, unpredictable. Coen-esque. What else could one ask for?
- punishable-by-death
- Jul 24, 2018
- Permalink
This is a great dark comedy/thriller type movie - kind of like a dark heist Coen brothers type film but with a smaller budget. The real brothers do great together! I laughed, I cried. I gasped. Not too long. I feel bad that I was expecting a 5/10 movie and got a 7! Which is really high in my books...not many movies get above a 7 these days from me.
- gallagherkellie
- Feb 7, 2022
- Permalink
Nice change for the Jacobsen brothers but I wanted to like at least one of the characters but I just couldn't. Set over one night we did not see why they feel their actions are justified.
- conantheaccountant
- Sep 15, 2018
- Permalink
The history develops really slow, there are some peaks at the end. The ending is well done. Is a film really hard to keep watching. Well performed of the main actors "the brothers".
- littlecarb
- Oct 12, 2018
- Permalink
Two brothers sneak into a home wearing orange overalls and boots that have been taped in black tape. The two soon begin to prepare for something horrible. It's soon discovered based on their conversation that they are planning and plotting to murder someone....
Going forward we see these men prepare and discuss the upcoming main event, but we are also given history on both of their pasts. This gives us a greater understanding as to who they intend to kill and their motives.
A fun fact for Finesse fans! For this film, the actors who play brother in this film are in fact brothers in real life- Shane Jacobson (who is best known for his Aussie film Kennie) & Clayton Jacobson. It should also be known that Clayton Jacobson takes ownership of the director chair. Needless to say this film is also Australian.
To my surprise, the film managed to bring out a few chuckles, mysteries and not to mention drama with a touch of suspense. As these two men begin to discuss and confirm their plans, I found myself rather curious to know the 'whys' within this film's plot. What makes it very entertaining, is watching these brothers interact with each other as they question and disagree how things should be handled. As mentioned, we are also given great amounts of dialogue throughout the film that gives the audience a greater understanding as to who these men truly are and the past they once shared together. At no point does the information feel like it's being spoon feed or uninteresting.
I'm also proud to announce that the film managed to deliver a plot that built to many unpredictable moments and I was even shocked to find I hadn't considered certain situations that threw the brothers plans right out the window.
From a performance level, the Jacobson brothers have delivered some very tight performances and considering most of the screen time is focused on these two men, it's awesome. I was also excited to see other favourite Australian actors make appearances here, including Kim Gyngell and the lovely (and rather talented!) Sarah Snook.
Overall, Brother Nest carries many themes. The film can be classed as dark comedy, with drama and suspense. The Jacobson brothers have in fact delivered a film that is beautifully performed. I never felt bored within the story and the film sets up many mysteries (and dishes out surprises!). It's also an impressive film considering the total casting is about 5 actors. It's well done and comes recommended!
7.4/10 Walkden Entertainment
Going forward we see these men prepare and discuss the upcoming main event, but we are also given history on both of their pasts. This gives us a greater understanding as to who they intend to kill and their motives.
A fun fact for Finesse fans! For this film, the actors who play brother in this film are in fact brothers in real life- Shane Jacobson (who is best known for his Aussie film Kennie) & Clayton Jacobson. It should also be known that Clayton Jacobson takes ownership of the director chair. Needless to say this film is also Australian.
To my surprise, the film managed to bring out a few chuckles, mysteries and not to mention drama with a touch of suspense. As these two men begin to discuss and confirm their plans, I found myself rather curious to know the 'whys' within this film's plot. What makes it very entertaining, is watching these brothers interact with each other as they question and disagree how things should be handled. As mentioned, we are also given great amounts of dialogue throughout the film that gives the audience a greater understanding as to who these men truly are and the past they once shared together. At no point does the information feel like it's being spoon feed or uninteresting.
I'm also proud to announce that the film managed to deliver a plot that built to many unpredictable moments and I was even shocked to find I hadn't considered certain situations that threw the brothers plans right out the window.
From a performance level, the Jacobson brothers have delivered some very tight performances and considering most of the screen time is focused on these two men, it's awesome. I was also excited to see other favourite Australian actors make appearances here, including Kim Gyngell and the lovely (and rather talented!) Sarah Snook.
Overall, Brother Nest carries many themes. The film can be classed as dark comedy, with drama and suspense. The Jacobson brothers have in fact delivered a film that is beautifully performed. I never felt bored within the story and the film sets up many mysteries (and dishes out surprises!). It's also an impressive film considering the total casting is about 5 actors. It's well done and comes recommended!
7.4/10 Walkden Entertainment
- WalkdenEntertainment
- Jan 9, 2019
- Permalink
This is why I love non Hollywood films so much. It could've happened, just like it's being told in this movie. Every single thought presented makes sense in this day and age. Bravo, bravo
- beschuitfluiter
- Oct 10, 2018
- Permalink
I've seen a lot of low budget films that 75% really sucked but this one was just great in my book.
If you want dark comedy, go watch The Bothersome Man or A Serious Man, not this load of tripe
- Cookiejar55
- Nov 5, 2018
- Permalink
Shane Jacobson emerged as a seriously reliable performer in film and musical comedy in the last decade here in Australia. Through Kenny, the port-a-loo entrepreneur, the chubby chap that many of us Aussies had enjoyed on the musical stage was brought to broader knowledge.
I may have misunderstood the attractions of 'stars' - not just that their role will be convincing, more that their presence says 'This must be OK or I wouldn't have signed up."
It's somewhat like that with 'Brothers' Nest', but more so. Shane and his real life big brother Clayton have the relationship in this family muck-up story that cannot be acted - it just has to be innate and honed over decades of brotherly rivalry to work this well. The setting, in a western Victorian farmhouse, shot mostly at dusk, overnight and dawn looks the real deal it is.
The story is about family relationships - intense, marginal, commonly held and individual, stemming from not so happy families, divorces, new unions, strengths but mostly weaknesses. It isn't pretty, and if your family isn't like this, you'll probably be thankful, but it really does have a lot to say.
It's a small cast, and the two bothers plus Kim Gyngell as their step father leave little space for the others, but all click satisfyingly. They are all believable in their roles.
The billing was 'black comedy' but I'd allocate this to the thriller category. Few laughs, personally or in our cinema, and virtually none out loud. But it seriously held my attention.
Give it a go - it's good.
I may have misunderstood the attractions of 'stars' - not just that their role will be convincing, more that their presence says 'This must be OK or I wouldn't have signed up."
It's somewhat like that with 'Brothers' Nest', but more so. Shane and his real life big brother Clayton have the relationship in this family muck-up story that cannot be acted - it just has to be innate and honed over decades of brotherly rivalry to work this well. The setting, in a western Victorian farmhouse, shot mostly at dusk, overnight and dawn looks the real deal it is.
The story is about family relationships - intense, marginal, commonly held and individual, stemming from not so happy families, divorces, new unions, strengths but mostly weaknesses. It isn't pretty, and if your family isn't like this, you'll probably be thankful, but it really does have a lot to say.
It's a small cast, and the two bothers plus Kim Gyngell as their step father leave little space for the others, but all click satisfyingly. They are all believable in their roles.
The billing was 'black comedy' but I'd allocate this to the thriller category. Few laughs, personally or in our cinema, and virtually none out loud. But it seriously held my attention.
Give it a go - it's good.
- manders_steve
- Jul 1, 2018
- Permalink
- Headturner1
- Apr 1, 2019
- Permalink
This is not a bad film on a shoestring budget. It's a good story and well written, and the acting is not too bad. It is a Thriller, however, in now way can it be called a black comedy. There are small sparks of comedy in a couple of light hearted moments. But nothing that could warrant it being classified as a black comedy.
The movie is described as a "dark comedy". It is a good movie, but certainly not a comedy. Dark it is, and it is good, but if you expect any kind of comedy, you are in the wrong place.
It starts off with a rather light atmosphere, but tales a dark turn. Honestly, I felt kind of let down by the description that said "comedy".
It starts off with a rather light atmosphere, but tales a dark turn. Honestly, I felt kind of let down by the description that said "comedy".
- sanjalicina
- Apr 3, 2021
- Permalink
You'll relive this movie long after it's finished. Great acting. What a climax. What an ending. What a movie
- esther-646-830070
- Sep 16, 2019
- Permalink
Grim plot overrides the acting and production qualities..
I don't want to knock the producers, the cast but the story was just depressing from start to finish.
Comedy, it was not. It was depressing.
- loxford-53999
- Jan 13, 2020
- Permalink
I started watching this without any hope and the slow start kind of made me thinking. But in the same time I realized the great chemistry between the main characters and hoped for something unexpected. Got it at the end. It gradually turned in to something I never expected and all the actors play their best and made it believable.
This movie ticks all the boxes for its genre (which, by the way, is the 90% cocoa kind of dark comedy, so don't expect every laugh to be a belly laugh).
Clayton Jacobson shines his directorial expertise at a fabulous script and the end result is deliciously fascinating.
There are twists and turns that I didn't see coming (and I'm a pretty savvy predictor of plot twists) - yet from the first frame, we know we're in for a dark and unsettling journey.
The tension stays high throughout, except when we're let off the hook with an uncomfortable chuckle. But honestly, from the word go you KNOW we're not in a unicorns-and-puppies kind of world here.
The character psychology is utterly consistent and beautifully drawn by both screenwriter and cast. The acting is superb - nuanced and brilliantly paced - and the story builds in a hugely satisfying way, with information being revealed at just the right time, every time.
Cinematography, art direction, music and editing are all excellent, supporting the overall mood and story with textured layering that does its work almost invisibly, it's so good.
I can't wait to see this movie again. Even though a part of me kinda doesn't want to. (Did I mention, it's dark?)
Highly recommended.
Clayton Jacobson shines his directorial expertise at a fabulous script and the end result is deliciously fascinating.
There are twists and turns that I didn't see coming (and I'm a pretty savvy predictor of plot twists) - yet from the first frame, we know we're in for a dark and unsettling journey.
The tension stays high throughout, except when we're let off the hook with an uncomfortable chuckle. But honestly, from the word go you KNOW we're not in a unicorns-and-puppies kind of world here.
The character psychology is utterly consistent and beautifully drawn by both screenwriter and cast. The acting is superb - nuanced and brilliantly paced - and the story builds in a hugely satisfying way, with information being revealed at just the right time, every time.
Cinematography, art direction, music and editing are all excellent, supporting the overall mood and story with textured layering that does its work almost invisibly, it's so good.
I can't wait to see this movie again. Even though a part of me kinda doesn't want to. (Did I mention, it's dark?)
Highly recommended.
- jdalgliesh
- Jun 24, 2018
- Permalink
The brothers Jacobson have a relaxed, happy-go-lucky disposition that is ensnarled into a grim entanglement with only sparse, uncomfortable laughter as an inadequate pressure release. The seemingly frugal production - two main roles, one location - fronts what is really a very clever and handsome piece of cinema. The narrative and the visuals are synchronised in a subtle, unrelenting, slow boil. At first it is bicycles and country roads - something of the innocence of youth. At its conclusion it is, well, unfair to say it switches genre. Rather it seduces you into witnessing what traditionally would belong in other more hardcore genres.
Fully sick, bro.
- Phil_M_A_Kerr
- Aug 7, 2018
- Permalink
After seeing Shane Jacobson's first film 'Kenny' I went into this expecting something similar, a light humored comedy. This is far cry from his earlier work, and although the movie does have its funny moments, it is also quite dark. Definitely worth seeing.
- h-griffin-uni
- Jun 13, 2018
- Permalink
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
What? You people didn't grow up like this?
What? You people didn't grow up like this?
Great acting by the two real-life brothers, and a well crafted storyline gradually leading to a series of violent events that had us gasping and laughing uneasily. Brilliant.