The Dry (2021) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Dry (2021), directed by Robert Connolly, is a gripping Australian mystery-drama that combines a classic whodunit with deep, emotionally charged character arcs. Based on Jane Harper’s bestselling novel of the same name, The Dry stars Eric Bana as Federal Agent Aaron Falk, who returns to his drought-stricken hometown after the tragic death of a childhood friend, only to find himself embroiled in a decades-old mystery. The film weaves past and present together in a story of secrets, guilt, and small-town tension.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the film’s plot, characters, themes, and its distinct visual style, as well as explore where to stream The Dry online, particularly in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Murder and an Old Secret
The story begins with Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) returning to his rural hometown of Kiewarra after the death of his friend Luke Hadler (Martin Dingle Wall). Luke is believed to have killed his wife and child in a murder-suicide, leaving the community in shock. At the request of Luke’s parents, who are convinced of his innocence, Aaron agrees to stay and investigate the case.
As Aaron delves deeper into the investigation, he’s forced to confront another dark chapter from his past: the mysterious death of his childhood friend Ellie Deacon (BeBe Bettencourt), which occurred 20 years earlier. Aaron was a suspect in Ellie’s death at the time, and his return reopens old wounds for the town’s residents, many of whom have never forgiven him.
The narrative alternates between the present-day murder investigation and flashbacks to Aaron’s teenage years, slowly unraveling the truth about both Luke’s death and Ellie’s long-unsolved murder. As Aaron reconnects with old friends and confronts enemies from his past, secrets about the town, its people, and the tragic events that shaped their lives come to light.
Eric Bana’s Nuanced Performance as Aaron Falk
Eric Bana delivers a standout performance as Aaron Falk, capturing the character’s quiet strength and emotional turmoil. Falk is a man haunted by his past, and Bana skillfully conveys the weight of unresolved guilt and loss. Falk’s stoic demeanor and reluctance to return to Kiewarra add to the tension of the film, as he is met with suspicion and hostility from many of the town’s residents.
Bana’s portrayal brings a subtle complexity to the character, showing Falk’s deep sense of duty and loyalty, even as he wrestles with the personal demons that have plagued him for years. His interactions with Luke’s parents, the local police, and his former friends are laced with both emotional distance and a longing for resolution.
A Small Town Filled with Secrets
The film’s setting—Kiewarra, a drought-ridden rural town in Australia—plays a crucial role in shaping the mood of the story. The dry, barren landscape is a metaphor for the emotional desolation that pervades the town, where secrets have been buried under layers of guilt, grief, and mistrust for decades. The oppressive heat and dust create an atmosphere of tension, mirroring the suffocating weight of the town’s unresolved mysteries.
As Aaron’s investigation progresses, the audience is introduced to a cast of characters who each carry their own burdens and suspicions. From Gretchen (Genevieve O’Reilly), a childhood friend with her own hidden grief, to Sergeant Raco (Keir O’Donnell), the local cop trying to navigate the complexities of small-town justice, The Dry offers a rich ensemble of characters, each with their own role to play in the unraveling mystery.
Themes: Guilt, Memory, and the Weight of the Past
At its core, The Dry is a story about the inescapable nature of the past. The film deftly explores the themes of guilt and memory, as Aaron is forced to confront not only the present-day crime but also the lingering accusations surrounding Ellie’s death. His return to Kiewarra serves as both a physical and emotional journey into the heart of darkness, as he must untangle the web of lies and half-truths that have shaped the town’s collective memory.
The drought that grips the town is a potent symbol of the stagnation and decay that have taken root in the community. Just as the land is parched and barren, the town’s people are emotionally dried up, unable to move forward from the tragedies of the past. The film’s exploration of how trauma and guilt can fester over time, shaping people’s lives and relationships, adds emotional depth to the procedural aspects of the murder investigation.
Visual Style: A Bleak and Atmospheric Landscape
The cinematography in The Dry is striking, with the Australian outback serving as both a beautiful and oppressive backdrop to the story. Cinematographer Stefan Duscio captures the stark beauty of the sun-scorched landscape, using wide shots of barren fields and dry riverbeds to create a sense of isolation and desolation.
The film’s visual style enhances the feeling of unease and tension that permeates the story. The use of flashbacks to Aaron’s youth is particularly effective, with the bright, sun-drenched memories of the past contrasting sharply with the bleak, dusty present. The transitions between past and present are seamless, adding to the film’s atmospheric and suspenseful tone.
Mystery and Resolution
The Dry succeeds as both a slow-burn mystery and a character-driven drama. The two intertwined mysteries—the murder-suicide of Luke’s family and the death of Ellie—are gradually revealed through a series of twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged until the final moments. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for tension to build as Falk’s investigation brings long-buried secrets to the surface.
The resolution of both cases is satisfying, providing closure for Aaron and the town, while leaving the audience with a lingering sense of melancholy. The Dry doesn’t offer easy answers or happy endings, but rather a nuanced exploration of how the past can continue to haunt the present.
Where to Watch The Dry Online in America
If you’re interested in watching The Dry, there are several options for streaming, renting, or purchasing the film in the U.S.
Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Dry is available to stream on Hulu, where subscribers can watch it as part of the platform’s extensive library of films.
Rental and Purchase Streaming Services
For those who prefer to rent or buy the film, it is available on the following platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase The Dry in HD or SD formats.
- Apple TV: Available for rent or purchase in HD, and viewable on all Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies: Rent or buy the film on Google Play, available for streaming on various devices.
- Vudu: Rent or purchase The Dry on Vudu in HD or UHD formats.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy The Dry through YouTube Movies, which can be streamed on any device with a YouTube app.
Final Thoughts
The Dry is a tense, atmospheric thriller that delivers both a compelling mystery and a deep emotional exploration of guilt, memory, and redemption. Eric Bana’s strong performance anchors the film, while the haunting beauty of the Australian landscape adds to its mood of isolation and despair. With its intertwining narratives and slow-burn suspense, The Dry is a must-watch for fans of mystery dramas and those who appreciate character-driven storytelling.
Catch The Dry on one of the streaming platforms mentioned above, and dive into a tale of buried secrets and haunting truths.
