Set against the badlands of Australia where the English rule with a bloody fist and the Irish endure, Ned Kelly discovers he comes from a line of Irish rebels — an uncompromising army of cross dressing bandits immortalised for terrorising their oppressors back in Ireland. Fuelled by the unfair arrest of his mother, Kelly recruits a wild bunch of warriors to plot one of the most audacious attacks of anarchy and rebellion the country has ever seen.
A wild, punk-rock reimagining of the last year of the notorious Ned Kelly's life, this film offers a glimpse into the raw, visceral world of colonial Australia. Through a series of flashbacks and fragmented memories, it explores the harsh upbringing and the events that shaped the legendary outlaw into a symbol of resistance against oppressive forces. The narrative culminates in a brutal showdown, presenting a mythic and tragic portrait of a man pushed to the brink.
The film received generally mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its visual style, intense performances, and unique approach to the historical figure. However, some found its anachronistic elements and unconventional narrative structure divisive. Audiences were similarly split, with some embracing its bold artistic choices and others feeling alienated by its departure from traditional biopic conventions.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's unique visual style and MacKay's powerful performance, finding it a fresh take on the legendary outlaw. Some viewers felt the modern music and anachronistic elements detracted from the historical setting, while others lauded it as a bold and exciting interpretation.
Won the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Director Justin Kurzel chose to give the film a contemporary, anachronistic aesthetic with modern punk-rock influences, stating he wanted to make Ned Kelly feel like a modern icon.
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