Rent The Flood (2020)

A post-colonial feminist western that rocks - The Flood review by HW

An epic blend of brutal realism and dreamy outlaw fantasy, this revisionist western proves that there’s still plenty of untold viewpoints and narratives for the genre to explore. In this case, our sharpshooting western hero Jarah is a half-Aboriginal woman defending her family from cruel colonial forces in post-WW2 Australia. This film is eye-opening in terms of depicting the atrocities committed against the First Nations of Australia, as well as delivering an exhilarating mix of action, pathos and redemption that doesn’t simply say that violent vengeance is the way forward. Cinematically, this is a unique experience, with plenty of dream-like sequences showing off the beauty of the Australian landscape. You’ll never see a film quite like this. 

An important subject matter poorly handled - The Flood review by TE

'The Flood' contains a good story, and there is plenty of justified anger at the treatment of aboriginal Australians by the relentlessly violent white colonisers.

It's just a shame that the story is broken up by repetitive sequences, unnecessary flashbacks and bizarre fantasy scenes. This self-indulgent padding makes the film too long and in dire need of some careful editing.

The nature of the violence, and the high body count, is reminiscent of a spaghetti western. However, it is clear that the film has loftier aims, only some of which are achieved. The emphasis is on pure cathartic revenge and the nods to redemption at the end are unconvincing token gestures.

Viewers should be warned that there is one particular gang-rape scene that is very disturbing.