Stuart:

A ‘bleak Australian outback gothic western’ is the best I can describe this film. I’m sure a connoisseur of the genre could explain where Cave and Hillcoat’s vision differs from the traditional western, but to the average theatre goer it’s all here: fraternal bonds, revenge, honour. The Proposition is full of grim expressions, parched vistas, and is punctuated by outbreaks of harrowing violence.

The Australia on show here is already in decline. An all-pervading sense of abandonment and futility resounds throughout the film, as the characters from multiple backgrounds all do their best to survive in the unforgiving outback.

The performances are universally impressive. Charlie (Guy Pearce