Influence

Following the death of their father, estranged siblings Jessica and Alex must confront their complicated past and their mother's manipulative behavior. As they navigate the family estate and the secrets it holds, they are forced to re-evaluate their relationship and the impact their mother's influence has had on their lives. The film explores themes of family dynamics, trauma, and the struggle for independence.

Influence received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting the strong performances of its lead actors and the film's unflinching exploration of difficult family relationships. Some praised its raw emotional honesty, while others found its pacing and narrative somewhat uneven. Audiences generally responded to the relatable portrayal of familial conflict and personal growth.

• Praised for its intense and authentic portrayal of complex family trauma.
• Noted for the powerful performances of Richard Roxburgh and Gloria Demne.
• Some found the film's emotional intensity to be overwhelming at times.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently commend the film for its realistic depiction of family dysfunction and the emotional journey of the characters. Many viewers appreciated the raw honesty and relatable struggles presented, although some felt the heavy subject matter was difficult to watch.

Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.

Director Shannon Murphy drew inspiration for the film from personal experiences and observations of complex family dynamics, aiming to capture a sense of raw, unfiltered emotional truth.