Here is a stunning movie, I'm not going to give much of an introduction because in all honesty the movie truly speaks for itself. Let's have a look at Jennifer Kent's second movie, The Nightingale.
The year is 1825,the location Australia. Claire, a 21 year old Irish convict is held captive beyond her 7 year sentance by a lieutenant obsessed with her and strips her of her dignity and humanity. Aidan, Claire's husband, tries to intervene but it leads to sudden and horrific consequences for all of the family, and Claire left for dead.
When the British authorities refuse to dole out any justice, Claire decides to go through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness with the assistance of Billy, a young orphaned Aborigine filled with trauma from his violence-filled past.
Both filled with thier own prejudices, they start to learn a lot about each other, combating stereotypes and hatred along the way.
This movie is an amazing and rather powerful, depicting the horrors of Van Dieman's land (this is the first name Europeans called Tasmania) at the turn of the 19th century. This isn't an easy watch, but this movie isn't supposed to gloss over things, you are shown how bad things were during the age known as "The Black War".
Jennifer Kent wanted to show the brutal reality of the story and she has done that in spades. Psychologists and counsellors were brought onboard to authenticate the content of the film, which they gave full support. They also needed to bring in psychologists and councellors on set for some of the more harrowing scenes. Also, Jennifer Kent devolped and made the film with close consultation with Aborigine elders, who gave consent to tell thier story (this part was a great help when speaking in Aborigine. They are speaking in Palawa Kani, an almost extinct language, and this movie is the first time it has ever been spoken in a mainstream movie).
I see this movie as cross between Walkabout and Day of the Woman (also known as I Spit on Your Grave) but also more. With a second great movie under her belt, it looks like Jennifer Kent is one to watch. I watched this and movies don't effect me too much, but this left me saying "damn!" and Awesome Cupcake (who was half watching this) said even though she wasn't really watching The Nightingale it still left quite an impact.
So, brilliant movie...but what about the disc contents? Well, as Second Sight Films have always done, it's a beautiful transfer with epic quality sight and sound along with optional English SDH subtitles.
Extras comprise of a video essay, The Nightingale in Concert, trailer, interviews and making of featurette.
The Blu-Ray is housed in a hard sleeve along with a 40-page book with new writings and 3 Artcards featuring stills from the movie, however, if you order the limited edition set from Second Sight Film you will get an exclusive art card Featuring key art.
Seriously, I cannot sing enough praises about The Nightingale and as much as I may not be able to watching this movie a lot I think this is a stunning movie that deserves every alcodae that it has got to date, is a must watch AND this edition is most certainly a must own. Get this while you can, this edition is limited to 2,000 units.
The Nightingale is rated 18 and the Second Sight Limited Edition (available here) is released 8th February 2021.