Film Reviews

Gone

• Rating:
• Director: Ringan Ledwidge.
• Starring: Shaun Evans, Amelia Warner, Scott Mechlowicz, Victoria Thaine.
• Details: UK / 88mins (15A).

Backpacker Alex (Evans) arrives in Australia to meet up with his pretty girlfriend Sophie (Warner). Stuck for a place to stay, Alex hooks up with Taylor (Mechlowicz), a handsome American who is trekking around Australia in his car. Offering to drive him to the town where he had planned to meet Sophie, Taylor and Alex become friends on their short road trip. However, as the trip continues, it's obvious that Taylor has his sights set on Sophie and even more glaringly obvious that Taylor is nuttier than squirrel shit. The only problem with Gone is that it was only ever going to end up one way, but even though we can smell the ending from here it's an interesting ride getting there. Because it's a simple plot with a tiny cast, the intimacy allows us to really get to know the characters and Mechlowicz has to be applauded for playing down a role that's usually way over the top - we never know what he's thinking and sometimes makes us doubt if he's ever going to lose it. Ledwidge also keeps the violence off-screen, which was either a directorial decision, or was forced upon him because of the low budget. Either way, it's a refreshing diversion from the dredge the genre usually spits at us. For what it is, Gone is a good show with a cracking soundtrack and decent performances from the three leads. It's just not the most original in the world.

Review by Gavin Burke