Cut Snake

Cut Snake is a 2014 Australian thriller movie about a man named Sparra Farrell, played by Alex Russell, who has just been released from jail and is trying to start a new life with his girlfriend, Paula, played by Jessica De Gouw. Sparra has to grapple with his past which comes back to haunt him when a former cellmate, Pommie, played by Sullivan Stapleton, turns up and tries to pull him back into a life of crime.

Sparra is a timid man trying to escape his past, so when he meets the lovely and adventurous Paula in the early days of his release, he thinks he's finally found his chance to start afresh. Far from judging him for his previous mistakes, Paula is fascinated by Sparra's past and wants to learn more about him. The two grow close, with Sparra trusting her completely and revealing a part of his past that has kept him up at night for years.

Their relationship is on the up when Pommie arrives. Despite his charming exterior, Pommie is a dangerous and manipulative force, and he instantly spots Sparra as his next mark. Pommie slowly integrates himself into Sparra's life, digging up old secrets, and even taking him to a strip club, where they find themselves caught up in a brawl with Pommie's old criminal associates.

As Sparra's relationship with Paula deepens, Pommie's plan becomes more sinister. He starts to exert control over Sparra, forcing him to take part in a robbery that has disastrous consequences. Sparra is torn between his love for Paula and his loyalty to his old cellmate, and it's this internal struggle that makes for an intense and emotional climax.

The film was confident, gritty, and well-directed. The Australian outback setting is perfect, and the film is dominated by a palpable sense of tension that draws you into the story. The performances are excellent, with Sullivan Stapleton standing out as the charming and ruthless Pommie, who is very much the object of Sparra's fascination and fear.

Overall, Cut Snake is an excellent thriller that takes us deep into the dark underworld of Australia's criminal world. It’s a movie about a man caught between his old life and a chance for something better. As the stakes get higher, Sparra's character arc becomes more and more interesting, and the tension ratchets up to a satisfying conclusion. If you're a fan of gritty thrillers with engaging characters and a well-crafted story, this film is not to be missed.