The Dry - A Fresh Classic Mystery

 

Rent it on Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play. 

    We people can tell three kinds of lies: the kind we bear to protect those we love, the kind we spread to hurt those we hate and the kind we tell ourselves to justify our own unjustified actions. One of the biggest dangers of lying, in general, is that people may begin to think it's true if you tell one often and loud enough. Case in point: there was no election fraud; Biden won! When watching The Dry, a gripping and textured murder mystery from the wonderful land of Australia, it is impossible not to be confronted with all three. The whole story is layered with mysteries that will keep you hooked all throughout. It will also show you just how terrifying and dangerous it can be to maintain a lie, however great or small, for far too long. 

    Based on the book of the same title by Jane Harper, the story follows a Federal Police Officer named Aaron Falk (Eric Bana), who returns to his hometown after a twenty-year absence to attend the funeral of his old best friend, Luke. Apparently, he committed suicide after murdering most of his family. The town is quick to accept that possibility, given his history with Aaron, who were both caught in a lie regarding the mysterious death of a young girl when they were kids. After meeting up with the responding officer on the case, Greg Roco (Keir O'Donnell), Aaron decides to stick around and help solve the case, despite being ostracized by pretty much the whole town. Regardless of the obstacles, Aaron sets out to solve the case and, maybe, seek out some redemption in the process. 

    The film features a dark and, at times, disturbing observation of the human condition that, while challenging to take in, manages to feel relevant without coming off as overbearing. At times, the story reminded me of Wind River: another dark and disturbing commentary on the human condition framed within a murder mystery. They both even feature musical ques that come off as appropriately haunting. While Wind River was a commentary on the injustices upon the indigenous American population, The Dry is strictly about the consequences of dishonesty. Not to mention the dangers of closed-mindedness. 

    The cast is remarkable all around. Eric Bana especially delivers a memorable performance that makes you wonder where he's been for the past few years. The stand-out award goes to Keir O'Donnell for playing the most likable rookie cop who's not played like an idiot for the sake of making the protagonist look smarter. He's just a new cop doing his best and learning from the experience. 

    While parts of the movie can come off as repetitive or a little dull from time to time, the story never flatlines in its pace. It's a solid thriller with excellent performances and clever writing that will keep you guessing all throughout. Just be sure to watch something short and funny afterward, as it does end on a somewhat bittersweet note (understandably so). This is one mystery worth solving. 

    Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.