When first time writer, director Jasmine Yuen-Currucan sent her screenplay 'Cactus" to Bryan Brown, she hoped to enlist his services for a cameo. Instead, Brown was so impressed, he agreed to star in it, produce it and significantly increase the original 90 thousand dollar budget. It was a wise decision from Brown and one that has paid off well.
In the dead of night, a man is kidnapped and taken on a long journey through the Australian outback to meet his would be captors. The meticulous plan is going well until a hapless truckie makes a bad decision and a cynical outback cop gets involved.
Cactus is a well crafted, well shot, road movie that honours the genre. It is thrilling from the get go. Nothing is over explained, leaving the audience trying to work out who is good, who is bad and what will be the outcome.
Shot beautifully by Florian Emmerich, the landscape becomes an imposing character and one that threatens to engulf the characters.
Travis McMahon is terrific as the desperate kidnapper with David Lyons supporting him well as his victim. Bryan Brown is great as the dry, funny, pissed off cop and Shane (Kenny) Jacobson as the truckie is so believable.
Apart from a bit of clunky dialogue the script is economical and tight, offering great suspense.
I really enjoyed Cactus for the slow reveal, the beautifully drawn characters and the subtle yet effective score.
Cactus is well acted with a good story that will keep you guessing - 3.5 stars.
