Wake in Fright is a powerful Australian psychological thriller directed by Ted Kotcheff, released in 1971. The film is based on Kenneth Cook’s novel of the same name and is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of the Australian outback and the psychological impacts of isolation.
The story follows John Grant (played by Gary Bond), a schoolteacher who finds himself stranded in a remote mining town after a journey to Sydney. As he attempts to return home, he becomes ensnared in the town’s hedonistic and brutal lifestyle, marked by heavy drinking, gambling, and a disturbing sense of camaraderie among the locals. The film delves into Grant’s descent into madness as he grapples with his own morality and the harsh realities of life in the outback.
Wake in Fright is notable for its stark cinematography, intense performances, particularly by Donald Pleasence and Chips Rafferty, and its exploration of themes such as masculinity, survival, and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of rural life. Initially met with mixed reviews, the film has since gained a cult following and is celebrated for its raw and unsettling depiction of Australian culture, making it a landmark in Australian cinema.