Real life serial killers are interesting to see on screen because the very crime they committed is so unusual, that you can’t help but wonder what the heck pushed them to do such a thing. However, doing so can be tricky because a bad depiction can seem to glorify their drama at the expense of the real life victims. Thankfully, Nitram doesn’t do that. Based on the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, it does depict the killer’s perspective, but director Justin Kurzel just depicts it as is, never dramatizing or sympathizing or blaming anyone else for the killer’s actions, keeping the camera solely on Nitram himself. And it works because Caleb Landry Jones captures the killer’s off-putting intensity, and resulting loneliness, through his excellent performance. It’s not an easy watch, but Nitram is an intriguing character study that doesn’t mine drama from tragedy.
"We have the privilege of looking away, but what Nitram asks us to do is remember."
— Roxana Hadadi
"If Kurzel has made yet another movie about the impenetrable mystery of why someone would be compelled to slaughter innocent people, he’s also made one that underlines how in no uncertain terms."
— David Ehrlich
Based on true events, "Nitram" lives with his parents in suburban Australia in the mid-90s. He lives a life of isolation and frustration at never fitting in. As his anger grows, he begins a slow descent into a nightmare that culminates in the most heinous of acts.
Tasmania, Australia, late 1990s. Living in isolation and never being able to fit in, Nitram unexpectedly finds a friend in a reclusive heiress Helen. However, when she dies of old age, Nitram contemplates committing a series of heinous deeds.
Caleb Landry Jones deserved that Cannes Best Actor Award.
It's hard to watch, but the performances are good.
Cannes
1 win
