An Australian entry. In contemporary Australia, a shepherd finds transient work by chance at a ranch, and ends up involved with the rancher's daughter, who is being sexually abused by her father, and whose mother has been incapacitated by a stroke. That's pretty much the whole premise, and while there are moving moments, the story and script are not as compelling as you might expect. Nevertheless, the film is saved by the exceptional acting, especially by Mary Regan, who plays the abused daughter. The cinematography -- lots of scenes of the Australian countryside (or maybe it is a set, I don't know, but it's certainly beautiful), sheep shearing and wild stags -- is terrific and gorgeous. The music is also often lovely. Well worth a watch.
Review of Heart of the Stag
