With awards season upon us and the 87th Academy Awards just around the corner, we’re all looking back on the best movies of 2014.
Naturally, every year we’re bound to expect some of the biggest award winners to come from the American market, but that is not to say that other countries should be neglected. In particular, Australia has managed to produce some truly stunning films this year, which were either directed by Australians or simply filmed on location there. They may not be Oscar-nominated, but they’re certainly worthy of mention – here’s a look back at some of the best Australian films of 2014.
The Babadook
Truly one of the most chilling horrors of 2014, The Babadook was directed by Australian actress and director Jennifer Kent. Filmed in Adelaide, the film tells the unnerving story of Amelia, a single mother who has never come to terms with the fact that her husband died while driving her to hospital to give birth to her son, Samuel.
After Samuel starts to show signs of strange behaviour thanks to an irrational fear of monsters, Amelia soon begins to distance herself from her friends, but after some time she realises that her son’s fears may not be so irrational after all.
Unbroken
Directed by the very un-Australian Angelina Jolie, (who actually holds citizenship in both the United States and Cambodia!) Unbroken was filmed throughout New South Wales, in such well known locations as Brisbane and Sydney.
While these cities may be better known for their casinos, it was doubtful that anybody in Sydney was quick to spin the wheel while this was filming – particularly with the wealth of online alternatives out there like GamingClub.com/au/online-roulette. The film has received critical acclaim for its dramatic account of a plane crash during World War II, leaving three men stranded.
The Rover
Another potential classic to have been filmed in Adelaide, The Rover tells the harrowing story of a not too distant dystopian future. 10 years after a worldwide economic collapse, the Outback is even less welcoming and residents have descended into lawless criminals.
When Rey (Robert Pattinson) has his only possession stolen from him, his car, he sets out on a mission to get revenge on those who did him wrong. After capturing one of the thieves however, he begins to strike up an unlikely friendship as they embark upon their mission to get vengeance. Beautifully shot, The Rover is a frightening portrayal of the future which shows the Australian Outback for the truly terrifying environment it is.
