For a time, The Dry was an apt description of how I felt about this film. A little dry, a little cold, a little detached. I wasn’t feeling the emotional power that I thought it was needing. But slowly the movie grew on me and I started to get invested in the characters and their mysteries. In the end, yeah, this is a good flick.

Set in an desolate, drought-ridden town in Australia, a big city cop (played by Eric Bana) returns home for the funeral of a friend (who, it’s claimed, killed his family and himself in a murder/suicide). We quickly learn Bana’s character is hiding a secret from his past (as one does in such movies). He decided to stay and investigate what really happened to his old friend… while dealing with townsfolk who aren’t happy to see him back.

I slowly grew invested in the parallel mysteries of this film. I was as engrossed by what happened in the past (as scene through flashbacks) as I was the present. Eric Bana plays it fairly understated so it took me some time to like the performance and his character. But I got there… as well as with the other personalities in the town. Nobody is overdoing it, but most come away with real character.

I guess I was ultimately underwhelmed by the resolution of one of the two mysteries. Also, I was also a little uncertain why The Dry mattered thematically. Was the fact there was an ongoing drought important (other than in one specific moment that resolved the modern day plot)? It could just be setting and worldbuilding and that’s fair enough.

So, yeah, the film is a bit of a slow burn but not as slow as some slow burns. I think its worth taking a look at if you like mysteries and murder investigations. It might not spark with you immediately but I say give it time and it’ll grow on you.

Score: 82