Nitram is notable for both the powerful performances, especially of Jones and Judy Davis, as well the film makers careful choices. In many ways Nitram doesn't attempt to explain the unexplainable, but instead attempts to examine a person, and those around, him who did something so horrific it is unexplainable. For this Nitram may be difficult for many to watch. The attempt to humanize, if not sympathize, with a mass murderer may not be something many are comfortable with. But the film makes not excuses for its subject, instead hoping for some insight into who he is.
The film quite smartly avoids putting any of the violence on screen. As the film builds towards its conclusion we see the killer approach the sites of his attacks but the film then skips over the massacre itself. I believe this is the right choice. Such a thing would be extremely problematic regardless but it really isn't what Nitram is about.
Nitram is a portrait of a person attempting to exist in a world where everyone experiences that world differently than he does. Often the film will highlight that he truly doesn't understand how to act or interact. Again the film walks a careful line here never using that as an excuse, but showing just how difficult his experience and the experience of those around him is in light of this. Similar to We Need To Talk About Kevin Nitram tries and mostly succeeds in bringing us into a very painful place for all those involved.
A lot of this success has to do with the performances of Jones (award winning) and Judy Davis who are both stunning in this film. They both deal with very difficult roles and they both shine. Lapaglia and Essie Davis are also strong. Nitram likely wouldn't have worked without such a strong team bringing these characters to life.
Movies based on real people always struggle to find the right balance between drama and honesty and that can be especially hard when dealing with such a difficult subject. But Nitram is an example of a fairly successful telling of a very difficult story.
Nitram
Starring: Caleb Landry Jones, Judy Davis, Essie Davis, Anthony LaPaglia, Sean Keenan
Director: Justin Kurzel
Writer: Shaun Grant
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