Ten Empty
Dir Anthony Hayes, featuring Daniel Frederiksen, Lucy Bell, Geoff Morrell, Brendan Cowell, Jack Thompson
By Ruth Hessey
A quiet, modest film about suburbia and suicide is not what you expect from the hottest talent in town. Anthony Hayes and Brendan Cowell have opted for the less predictable, less marketable world of the average struggling family.
A brave choice, but Cowell is a sensitive writer with a strong sense of humanity. The central character, Elliot (Daniel Frederiksen) is complex, conflicted, and broody. Elliot ran away from his family ten years ago. On his return, he finds he can't run again.
Director Hayes brings out some beautifully modulated performances. Frederikson is the most charismatic Australian actor in years and Lucy Bell as Diane, Elliot's young stepmother, shows what she can do with good material.
Ten Empty is uneven, but delivers real characters with warmth and dimension - something sadly
missing in many Australian feature debuts.
Read Time Out's interview with Anthony Hayes and Brendan Cowell about Ten Empty
Watch the trailer for Ten Empty below