“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is a sequel to the 2021 Australian mystery drama “The Dry” based on Jane Harper’s best-selling novel of the same name. Directed by Robert Connolly, the movie stars Eric Bana, Deborra-Lee Furness, Anna Torv, and Robin McLeavy. The movie is set to release in cinemas on February 8, 2024.
The movie follows the story of five women who participate in a hiking retreat, but only four come out alive. Federal agents Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) and Carmen Cooper (Jacqueline McKenzie) head into the mountains hoping to find their informant still alive. Eric Bana delivers a strong performance as Aaron Falk, as the lead character in the movie. He is well supported by the rest of the cast, including Deborra-Lee Furness, who plays Jill Bailey, and Anna Torv, who plays Alice.
Force of Nature has three concurrent narratives. There’s the present-day investigation along with the flashbacks of what happened to the five women during their hike, all the resentments, feuds and misadventures that befell them. The suspects all appear to have combativeness as their sole character trait, with no one managing to bring much life to the bickering.
The movie’s presentation matches “The Dry” and even the lukewarm “Blueback” in showing director Robert Connolly excelling at using the environment as storytelling texture. The movie is a cross between the tense ambiguity of “Picnic at Hanging Rock” and the madness as envisioned by Ray Bradbury in “The Long Rain”.
In conclusion, “Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is a gripping, tough, and psychologically intense adaptation that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The cinematography is breathtaking, with Eric Bana giving a strong and powerful performance in the lead role. It makes for gripping and solid follow-up.
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