Hobby Farm

Hobby Farm is a gripping and thrilling Australian movie released in 2011, directed by Brad Diebert, starring Jack Diebert, Brad Diebert, Chris Arden, and Paul J. Murphy among others. The film takes viewers into the unexplored heart of the Australian underground, revealing intrinsic connections between the world we see and the one we don't. Despite its title giving an impression of tranquility and rustic joy, Hobby Farm veers far from these areas, sweeping you through a roller-coaster ride filled with suspense and emotion, with a side of an eye-opening raw account of brutal reality.

The story centers on Julian, played by Paul Murphy, a man dealing with his own past who finds himself tangled in a web of intrigue and danger. Julian, an imposing figure with a turbulent history, operates an illegal poker game at a secluded country hobby farm. Tethered by his dark past, Julian tries to maintain an aura of control in a world where people cannot be trusted and everything comes at a price.

Jack Diebert shines in the role of Jarrad, a troubled young man brought up under Julian’s wing. As Jarrad navigates the tumultuous underworld, the audience is drawn into the moral and ethical issues at play. In the backdrop of his tumultuous life are Sharni (Jessica Turner) and Jessie (Geraldine Hakewill), two women with their own complex backstories caught in this ominous environment.

Brad Diebert, who plays Travis, a tough yet empathetic character, also serves as the director of the movie. His raw directorial style matches the movie's harsh narrative, complimenting the organically unfolding drama, with every frame telling its own tale. He captures sincere and intrinsically human performances from his characters. The characters are served with gritty realism, portraying the harsh realities and personal torment that each individual faces. Every character in the Hobby Farm universe is fleshed out meticulously, to the degree that you as a viewer feel their angst and desperation.

Chris Arden is striking in his role as Bodge, Julian’s right-hand man, an enigmatic character whose true motivations are difficult to discern. Arden's portrayal of Bodge adds an underlying tension throughout the film, contributing to the atmosphere of uncertainty and menace that pervades the narrative.

The cinematography in Hobby Farm is masterfully handled by Kent Marcus, instilling a sense of harsh realism and creating a compelling atmosphere that draws you in. His use of natural lighting evokes not only the aesthetics but also the uneasy character of the environment in which the story unfolds.

The film’s soundtrack, crafted by Nick West, is contextually poignant and emotionally resonant, bolstering the impact of pivotal scenes in the movie. His music heightens the tension and sets an evocative background score for the unfolding drama that subtly hits your senses.

Hobby Farm is an intriguing, dark and brutally honest slice of rural Australian life that few may be aware of, showing the not-so-pleasant side of humanity. Astonishing performances by the ensemble cast push the narrative forward with an intensity that lingers long after the film is over.

Above all, Hobby Farm stands as a testament to Australian independent filmmaking, providing original content that compels you to question your moral ground. The characters, location, and storyline come together to form a raw, thought-provoking, and captivating experience that takes you through an intense journey in the underground world that exists beneath the veneer of ordinary life. It is a movie considered not for the faint-hearted, or those looking for a comfortable watch, for Hobby Farm challenges its viewers just as it challenges its characters. It paints a picture of realism that stays with you, a compelling narrative that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling, making it a must-watch for individuals who appreciate a good drama.