Review of Unfinished Sky (2007) by Margie F — 20 Jun 2008

Despite being beautifully shot and featuring exquisite performances from it's two leads, 'Unfinished Sky' ultimately doesn't work, due to a somewhat terrible script and at times poor direction.

Unfortunately, there is a trend in Australian films these days to feel the need to spell everything out to the audience. 'Unfinished Sky' is no different. There is absolutely no subtlety to be seen in this film. Not in the clunky exposition, not in the ridiculously blatant political message, not in the corny, superficial symbolism of the title, and most importantly, not in the slightly ridiculous love story. Indeed, Director Peter Duncan leaves nothing up to the viewer to work out for themselves. It's as if he's directing for people who have never seen a film in their life.

There are believability problems at play here too. The film, quite predictably too after you see a gun in our hero's closet in the very first scene, takes a Hitchcock turn in it's final act. It's exciting stuff at first, but after one too many twists and turns, once again, the audience is left completely unsatisfied.

Still, it's impossible to hate this film, mainly due to the two performances from Mcinnes and Hendrickx. She is devastating as the Afghani refugee who has sought refuge in the arms of McInnes' virile farmer. He is a lock for a Best Actor nomination at this year's AFI awards. In fact, his beautifully minimal performance may be the only subtle thing in this entire film.