Review of Candy (2013) by Christy B — 20 Jul 2008

Harrowing descent into the sordid reality of heroin addiction. The complexity of all-consuming love and fierce onscreen chemistry is palpable between Heath Ledger's character, Dan, and newcomer Abbie Cornish's beautiful Candy.

This makes it all the more distasteful when Candy is sacrificed on the street over and over for the next fix when the money runs out. She is a fine actress and it's surprising this film didn't get more play.

Perhaps it was a little too much 'sweaty and unshowered' reality for the gum-smacking crowd. Geoffrey Rush may be a secondary character in this film, but he steals every scene. Ironically he does not have a great deal of dialogue, but conveys much with just a look.

Despite the serious subject matter "Candy" is surprisingly hopeful and Neil Armfield's metaphor of the thrill ride that spins out of control is one that is not lost on the viewer.