It's a harsh film, presenting characters without any redeeming qualities or heroes, yet it manages to tell a compelling story in a believable way. I had higher hopes for this movie. It’s decent, with an interesting background, but I found it bland and unsettling, failing to generate much empathy. I can’t recall if it was the first Australian film I ever saw, but it's definitely the first one where I recognized it as being Australian while watching it. Drawing inspiration from a true event, the movie constructs a narrative about law enforcement attempting to apprehend members of a family deeply involved in Melbourne’s criminal underworld. To aid them, they enlist the help of what they consider the most reasonable person within that family: a young teenager. The film is well-made; the script is solid and contains numerous effective plot developments, but it's not enjoyable or pleasant to watch. The characters are difficult and unlikable, with violence and crime playing a significant role in their lives, almost as if it were a “family business,” openly passed down through generations. Josh, the main character, might be the one who evokes some sympathy, though his introverted nature prevents him from connecting well with the audience. Even the police officers, displaying brutality and cruelty, are far from heroic, existing on a very narrow line separating them from the criminals they pursue. Ben Mendelsohn’s performance was impressive; he embodied the most ruthless and controlling member of the family, a man who seems to have a death wish and doesn't hesitate to kill. Jacki Weaver also delivered a powerful and noteworthy portrayal of the family matriarch, a woman seemingly proud of her children’s criminal histories and willing to do anything to protect them, regardless of their actions. Her Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress was well-deserved. Guy Pearce also successfully met the demands of his role as a typical police detective. The film further benefits from strong performances by Joel Edgerton, James Frecheville, and Sullivan Stapleton. From a technical standpoint, it’s an understated production that prioritizes a strong script and excellent acting over flashy visuals or artistic flourishes. It's more focused on storytelling—a gritty, uncomfortable, sad, and acidic one—than visual artistry. The cinematography is unremarkable, as is the editing; the sets and costumes are standard for this type of film. The special effects, both visual and audio, are subtle but effective.

Source on TMDB