Review of Jungle (2017) by Luke E — 16 Aug 2017

Greg McLean may have created the most terrifying Australian threat within Australian Cinema with the 'Wolf Creek' franchise. Here, he adapts one of the most brutally painstaking but incredible true stories of a young Israeli man; Yossi Ghinsberg who got lost and survived the Jungles of Bolivia in the early Eighties.

The film maintains it's fascination with the story alongside it's charismatic performers, with Daniel Radcliffe once again proving he's an actor of strong diverse caliber in the main role.

Whilst the supporting roles were great too, It's McLean's skill to really make the harsh unforgiving environment stand out, once Yossi is separated from his company, the film delves into a 'Man-vs-Nature' against all odds with hardly any previous experience to back it up, even with some brutal toughness pushed against he's character there's plenty of suspense as audiences can't help but be invested in this once ordinary man.

That isn't to say the film has any flaws though, while the editing is quick and skillful the film's tonal can be very inconsistent, especially within the subconsciousness snapping between serious flashbacks and silly fantasies we like to have to escape our horrors.

Though even, with a film that's deeply flawed, you can't dismiss it due to being beautifully shot, written and powerfully acted. In the end, 'Jungle' is a cautionary tale, that should be taken lightly, just be warned about what you're getting into before seeing it.