From SlashFilm · Devin Meenan · · 50s
The Nightingale: Jennifer Kent's Controversial Western
Jennifer Kent's new Western film 'The Nightingale' sparked outrage for its graphic violence against Indigenous Australians.
In brief
Jennifer Kent's new Western film 'The Nightingale' sparked outrage for its graphic violence against Indigenous Australians. Jennifer Kent's 'The Nightingale' depicts an Irish convict's revenge against British soldiers in 19th century Tasmania, featuring brutal violence and colonial trauma. Originally reported by…
The Nightingale
Jennifer Kent's second feature film is an Australian Western set in 19th century Tasmania.
Clare Carroll
An Irish convict working as an indentured servant in 19th century Tasmania.
The Attack
Hawkins and two men rape Clare while killing her husband and infant daughter in one scene.
Mangana
An Aboriginal tracker who helps Clare seek revenge in the Tasmanian bush.
Colonial Violence
The film depicts historical violence against Indigenous Australians with graphic realism.
Revenge Narrative
Clare and Mangana form a bond after realizing shared colonial trauma, leading to tragic consequences.
What it means
Jennifer Kent's 'The Nightingale' depicts an Irish convict's revenge against British soldiers in 19th century Tasmania, featuring brutal violence and colonial trauma.
