Surf’s up: a homegrown surfing thriller

Shot along the rugged and breathtaking coastline of Western Australia, this week’s standout surfing thriller plunges viewers into the heart of the local surf scene with a pulse-pounding narrative and stunning cinematography. The film follows a tight-knit group of surfers who stumble upon a dangerous secret hidden beneath the waves, turning their idyllic beachside lifestyle into a high-stakes battle for survival.

What sets this film apart is its authentic portrayal of Aussie surf culture. From the sun-bleached board shorts to the salty camaraderie shared around bonfires, every detail feels lived-in and genuine. The cast, made up largely of local talent, brings a raw energy to the screen, with standout performances from a breakout lead who’s also a real-life surfer. Their comfort in the water translates into some of the most exhilarating surf sequences seen in an Australian film in years.

The cinematography captures the ocean in all its moods—from glassy dawn patrols to stormy, foam-churned chaos. The use of drone footage and underwater shots immerses the audience in the action, making you feel every drop of spray and the rush of carving down a massive wave. It’s a visual love letter to the Australian coast, and a reminder of both the beauty and the danger that lie beyond the breakers.

While the plot leans into thriller territory with a few over-the-top twists, it never loses sight of its roots. Themes of loyalty, environmental preservation, and the unbreakable bond between surfers give the story emotional weight. There’s also a subtle nod to Indigenous connections to the land and sea, adding depth and cultural resonance to the narrative.

For surf enthusiasts, this film is more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration of the lifestyle, the risks, and the rewards of chasing the perfect wave. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just someone who loves the ocean, this homegrown thriller delivers a ride worth catching.

Portrait of a legend: this week’s standout biopic

Shifting gears from the surf to the screen, this week’s standout biopic offers a deeply human portrait of one of Australia’s most influential cultural figures. With a performance that’s already generating awards buzz, the film traces the life of a trailblazer whose impact rippled far beyond their chosen field, touching on themes of resilience, identity, and the power of staying true to one’s roots.

Set against the backdrop of post-war Australia, the film captures the social and political climate that shaped the subject’s journey. From humble beginnings in a coastal town to national recognition, the story unfolds with a careful balance of historical accuracy and emotional depth. The filmmakers have clearly done their homework, weaving archival footage and period-accurate details into the narrative without ever losing momentum.

At the heart of the film is a powerhouse performance by the lead actor, who disappears into the role with uncanny precision. Their portrayal captures not just the public persona, but the private struggles and quiet triumphs that defined the legend’s life. The supporting cast adds further texture, with standout turns from a veteran actor playing a mentor figure and a newcomer who brings youthful energy to the early chapters of the story.

What makes this biopic particularly compelling for Australian audiences is its grounding in place. The coastal settings—windswept beaches, sun-drenched verandas, and bustling seaside towns—are more than just backdrops; they’re integral to the character’s identity. There’s a palpable sense of connection to the land and sea, echoing the themes explored in the surfing thriller, but through a more introspective lens.

Music plays a subtle but powerful role throughout, with a score that blends traditional instrumentation with modern arrangements to reflect the character’s evolving journey. The soundtrack also features a few iconic Aussie tracks that will strike a chord with viewers of all ages.

For those who appreciate stories of perseverance and cultural significance, this biopic delivers a moving and meticulously crafted experience. It’s a reminder that legends aren’t born—they’re shaped by the tides of time, the strength of community, and the courage to ride life’s waves, no matter how rough the waters.

Chills and thrills: a fun but forgettable horror ride

If you’re in the mood for something a little darker this week, the latest horror flick on offer delivers a solid dose of jump scares and eerie atmosphere, even if it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. Set in a remote coastal town—complete with crumbling cliffs, misty mornings, and a lighthouse that seems to have a mind of its own—the film leans heavily into classic horror tropes, but with a distinctly Aussie flavour.

The story follows a group of uni students on a weekend getaway who stumble upon a long-abandoned surf shack rumoured to be cursed. Naturally, they ignore the warnings from the grizzled local fisherman and decide to stay the night. What follows is a familiar but fun ride through haunted house territory, complete with creaky floorboards, flickering torches, and a mysterious figure that seems to rise from the sea itself.

While the plot doesn’t break new ground, the film’s setting gives it a unique edge. The coastal visuals—windswept dunes, crashing waves, and eerie moonlit beaches—add a haunting beauty to the proceedings. There’s even a clever nod to surf culture, with one of the characters being a semi-pro surfer whose connection to the ocean becomes a key part of the story’s climax.

The performances are serviceable, with a few standout moments from the lead actress who manages to bring some emotional depth to her role. The dialogue can be a bit clunky at times, and the pacing drags in the middle, but the film makes up for it with a strong final act that ramps up the tension and delivers a few genuinely creepy moments.

For horror fans, especially those who enjoy a coastal twist, this film offers a decent night out. It may not linger in your mind long after the credits roll, but it’s the kind of popcorn flick that’s perfect for a Friday night with mates. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing the ocean a little differently the next time you head out for a surf.

Surfing thrills and local talent

Strap in, legends—this week’s cinematic lineup kicks off with a wild ride straight from our own backyard. Blue Break, the new Aussie-made surfing thriller, is making waves with its gnarly blend of big swell action and raw local talent. Shot along the rugged WA coastline, it’s got everything from monster barrels to back-of-the-ute banter that’ll feel right at home for anyone who’s ever waxed up a board before sunrise.

The film follows a tight-knit crew of surfers chasing the elusive “ghost break”—a mythical reef break that only appears under the rarest conditions. Think Point Break meets Storm Surfers, but with more meat pies and less Hollywood polish. The surf sequences are legit, filmed with drone and GoPro setups that put you right in the pocket. You can almost taste the salt spray and feel the reef scraping your fins.

“We wanted to make something that felt real—like the kind of surf missions we’ve all done with our mates,” says director and former pro surfer Micko Jarrett. “No stunt doubles, no CGI—just real waves and real wipeouts.”

Local talent shines through, with standout performances from up-and-coming surfer-turned-actor Tahlia Reid, who brings serious grit to her role as the crew’s fearless leader. And keep an eye out for cameos from a few familiar faces in the Aussie surf scene—yep, that’s who you think it is dropping into that 12-footer at The Bluff.

• Filmed entirely in Western Australia’s remote surf zones
• Features real surfers in lead roles—no Hollywood posers here
• Soundtrack stacked with Aussie indie rock and coastal vibes

If you’re into chasing swells, dodging sharks, and mateship forged in saltwater, Blue Break is your ticket. Just don’t blame us if you walk out of the cinema and start planning your next surf trip before the credits finish rolling.

Biopics and horror: stories that inspire and scare

Switching gears from saltwater stoke to silver screen storytelling, this week’s lineup also dishes up a couple of flicks that’ll either fire up your soul or have you checking under the bed. First up is Iron Will: The Peter Norman Story, a powerful biopic about the Aussie sprinter who stood tall—literally and morally—on the podium at the 1968 Olympics. You might know the photo: two American athletes raising their fists in protest, and there’s Norman, quietly backing them up with a badge of solidarity. This film dives deep into the man behind the moment, showing how one act of courage shaped a lifetime of consequences.

It’s not all medals and glory, though. The film doesn’t shy away from the fallout Norman copped back home—snubbed by officials, overlooked for future Games, and largely forgotten until years later. But it’s also a story of grit, mateship, and standing up for what’s right, even when it costs you. For anyone who’s ever backed a mate in a tight spot, this one’ll hit home.

“He wasn’t chasing fame—he just knew what was right,” says director Lisa Tran. “That kind of quiet strength is what makes Peter’s story so powerful.”

On the spookier side of things, horror fans get a cheeky treat with The Hollowing, a supernatural yarn set in the misty hinterlands of Tasmania. It’s got all the classic ingredients: a creepy old farmhouse, a family with secrets, and a local legend about a forest spirit that doesn’t take kindly to trespassers. Sure, it’s not reinventing the genre, but it delivers enough eerie atmosphere and jump scares to keep your popcorn airborne.

The real standout here is the setting—those fog-drenched Tassie forests are spooky enough without any ghosts, and the cinematography makes the most of it. Plus, there’s a solid dose of Aussie humour woven in, with one character refusing to leave the haunted house because “the fishing’s too good down the creek.” Classic.

• Iron Will offers a stirring look at an unsung Aussie hero
• The Hollowing brings Tassie terror with a local twist
• Both films showcase uniquely Australian stories and landscapes

Whether you’re chasing inspiration or just a good old-fashioned fright, these two are worth a squiz. Just maybe leave the lights on after the horror one—unless you’re camping in the bush, in which case… good luck, mate.