Review of The Horseman (2009) by Ruthie R — 31 Jan 2011

This film is simply brilliant, brutal but brilliant. The ultimate modern revenge film, packed with drama, tension, surprise and gripping unease. Dark and gruesome, a struggling Dad avenges his daughter with a flying hammer of a movie.

A dad avenges his dead daughter, found dead drugs in her body and signs of more abuse. It then becomes clear that his beloved girl was taken advantage of, amidst a sleazy pornographic video production circle. He seeks revenge on the gang in his fight for justice, revenge and to deal with his inner demons - an not without a few struggles along the way. All this happens, with gathering momentum as he gives a lift to a young girl.

The film is well shot, bleak in colour at times and the dramatic music all help set the scenes and mood throughout. The main actor is faultlessly superb, likeable and with his faults even more so believable and rout-able for. The beatings, fights and kills are graphic, gritty, real and fitting, adding to the dark nature of this uneasy (in all ways) revenge film. It all seems scarily real and for that it is commendable and more impressive - dare I hail it a modern triumph.

This cult gem comes all the way from Australia, probably the best if not only film since Chopper to impress this much from there or with any roots. The director, cast and crew were all unknown, it was low-budget and is quite miraculously put together on the resources they had.