It's midnight and it's a hot steamy night, where two ex-cons catch the last train to Fremantle. A couple stops later a young lady enters the carriage, and their gaze catches her. Soon they're trying to sweet talk and capture her attention. Further along the line another two passengers enter the carriage and from then onwards it becomes something more than just your friendly get-to-know each other discussions.The last train to any destination can be a daunting experience, and this psychologically Australian character drama that rarely leaves its confined carriage setting and passenger's sets-up an experimental, stage-like experience of such exposition. We get to know the characters quite personally, as if you're right on board the train with them and it really relies on that intensity. A towering Steve Le Marquand (a show-stopping turn) and the spontaneous Tom Budge really drive this factor with their outstandingly raw and passionate theatrical performances of two ex-cons. They both really hold your interest. The gorgeous Gigi Edgley is confidently good too. What starts off as basic with trivial exchanges, unfolds into something more which is emotionally enthralling and boldly unpredictable with its dangerous undercurrent. The layout is kept rather taut with a cerebrally involving (and rapid tongue) script and multi-facet performances making up for the lack of action. The confronting interplay was enough to wet my appetite, even if it might have been a contrived screenplay it manages to feel fresh and authentic. Intimate photography and the decision not use any sort of music score added to the organic atmosphere. Instead it favoured natural sounds of everyday life… from the train announcer's voice to the humming nightlife coming outside the train. The slow-burn, low-key approach grows on you and has you waiting around to see how it all ends up. What's great about it, was it sticks to reality and doesn't go for anything big.

I wasn't sure what to expect and originally watched this movie because I like just about anything with Gigi Edgley in it. I wasn't disappointed at all. This movie starts out in what seems a slow and sluggish way but the eventual twists and turns make it all worthwhile. It was an excellent character study piece. It really isn't a movie for the younger crowd because of the adult situations. But then, I guess compared to HollyWould movies this is rather tame. It is just that the acting and situations build to a crescendo towards the end and present the subject matter in a very visceral way. It will have you on the edge of your seat towards the end. The casting couldn't have been better, the acting was great, and the direction was excellent. It is a drama/thriller extraordinaire.

Diane and I watched this extraordinary film in Freo yesterday not far from where it reached its quiet conclusion. We were both completely absorbed in this filmed stage play meaning that the action was completed totally within the confines of a suburban train traveling through Perth from one end to another. Boring you might say and it could have easily been in the hands of less superb actors working with a far less substantial script.I have rarely seen film that sustains visceral tension for its entire length: Pacino's Scarface did it but the overall result in my opinion was less tense than director Sims managed to sustain in this beauty. Again, in my opinion, the credit must be shared between Sims and the lead actor Steve Le Marquand. I can not say enough about Marquand's extraordinary performance. To be able to maintain a palpable sense of fear for the length of the entire movie is difficult and by so doing catapults the actor into a new realm of acting ability. Marquand had that acting ability to, in one instant act as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and an instant later literally frighten the observer into believing that his actions include any possibility-scary stuff.The secondary roles must be mentioned because as all artists know the canvas is nearly as important as the paint and the roles that Marquand played off could not have been better. They contributed through their own excellent acting to a canvas upon which this marvelous film could be painted.Make every effort to see this gem-you will be amply rewarded.

Last Train to Freo is one of the most interesting Australian films of the year. Stripped to basics with minimal cast and only one location of the train carriage, taking our two protagonists Steve and Trev, and three strangers from Perth to Freemantle. Starting off just as a two hander with Steve and Trev, conversation is minimal and ultimately doesn't grab your attention. It's all small talk between friends, yet insight does start to unfold. Steve holds himself as an omnipotent "bogan", constantly referring to himself as 'complex and multifaceted'. Steve also holds himself as protector to Trev, a drug addict. Trev is the down trodden no-hoper, sticking to Steve through constant abuse. As time ticks by, when the story already looks stretched beyond limits, our first stranger boards the train, and everything changes.Last Train to Freo is a great character study on the interaction between strangers. It has become a modern trend that people in situations like the train, kept to their own and turn the blind eye. Writer Reg Cribb, adapting his own stage play, shows that everyone has a story, you've just got to ask; though we people rather worry about their on skin. Steve likes to explore other people's lives, his attempt at cutting down the stereotype society labels him, yet him brashness and vulgar ways at times gives you affirmation to keep to yourself.Even for its short running time, Last Train to Freo does suffer from a very slow burn. When starting off with Steve and Trev, you wonder where is this going and how can this last. When other characters start being inducted, plot twist unfold and slowly evolves into a gripping thriller. The tension builds upon itself to unbelievable levels, by the end the grip is unbearable. Probably the downfall of the plot twists are they don't completely hold true, and only there too keep the film moving forward. Though this is easily forgiven from the great tension and strong performance.Steve Le Marquand and Tom Budge are amazing and the strongest of the cast. Steve perfectly captures that omnipotent personality of Steve and evokes it well. Gigi Edgley, Glenn Hazeldine are great, and Gillian Jones is quite a stunner as Maureen.For it's basic concept, Last Train to Freo is one film that comes as quite a surprising film.