The Dry

Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown of Kiewarra for a grief-stricken funeral. The death of his childhood friend, Luke, is presumed to be a murder-suicide, but as Falk reluctantly investigates, he uncovers the town's dark secrets. The investigation into Luke's death becomes intertwined with a decades-old mystery involving the disappearance of Falk's own childhood friend, Ellie. Falk must confront the ghosts of his past to uncover the truth in a town consumed by drought and distrust.

The Dry was a critical and commercial success, particularly in Australia, where it became the highest-grossing film of 2021. Critics praised its atmospheric tension, compelling mystery, and Eric Bana's performance. The film was lauded for its faithful adaptation of Jane Harper's novel and its effective portrayal of the Australian landscape as a character in itself.

• A gripping and atmospheric mystery that successfully translates the novel to the screen.

• Eric Bana delivers a strong, brooding performance as the troubled federal agent.

• The film effectively uses the harsh Australian landscape to enhance its tense narrative.

Google audience: Audiences generally praised The Dry for its suspenseful plot and Eric Bana's lead performance. Many viewers found the mystery engaging and appreciated the film's moody atmosphere and beautiful cinematography. Some noted the pacing could be slow at times but overall found it a satisfying thriller.

Nominated for 12 AACTA Awards, winning for Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Lead Actor (Eric Bana), and Best Editing. Won Best Film at the Film Critics Australia Awards.

The film is based on the best-selling debut novel of the same name by Australian author Jane Harper, which won the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel in 2015.