Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
UPDATE: Director and writer Jennifer Kent has shared a statement regarding the release of her film.
One of the most anticipated features of this year’s Sydney Film Festival – The Nightingale – has been slammed by some audience members after those in attendance at its opening screening walked out on account of confronting and graphic depictions of rape.
The film was hailed by international film critics, who praised its unique take on the revenge story arch. Adding more fuel to the fire is the fact this is the latest film from The Babadook director, and Australian visionary, Jennifer Kent.
However, the film’s debut has been marred with criticism that the rape depicted in the film goes beyond storytelling and into the realm of being rape for rape’s sake.
Filmed in Tasmania and set in the 18th Century, the film follows the bleak reality of 21-year-old Irish convict Clare, played by Aisling Franciosi, who suffers immeasurably at the hands of an English soldier and his men.
Audience members have reported that within the first 20 minutes, the storyline is dominated with graphic and extended scenes depicting a gang rape.
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Those who didn’t walk out within the first 20 minutes were then subject to further confronting scenes of brutal child murder and the slaying of Indigenous Australians.
As per news.com.au, some who walked out directed their ire at Kent, who was in attendance, with one woman reportedly shouting “She’s already been raped, we don’t need to see it again.”
Following the screening Kent addressed the walk outs and vitriol, explaining she “totally understands” the response, however felt a need to remain as realistic to the highly violent and troubled time as possible.
Prior to the screening, Kent stated, “It really pushed me to my absolute limits as a human being. Anyone who was on that set will tell you”.
Speaking with The Brag, respected film critic Travis Johnson provided further context to the scenes in question, explaining “The people complaining about The Nightingale are, I think, missing the point. The film sets out to offend, disgust, and horrify, and that’s as it should be.
“The subject matter is the Tasmanian genocide, after all, and surely that demands the most serious and unflinching approach. It’s not meant to entertain.
“The object of the exercise is to drive home both the sheer scale of the atrocities, and their deep personal impact. Jennifer Kent is a remarkable filmmaker, and we’re lucky to have her.”
Kent has also said that cast and crew were all provided psychological help to counteract the toll of filming the scenes in question.
The Nightingale receives an Australian-wide release on August 29th.
UPDATE: Director and writer Jennifer Kent has shared a statement regarding the release of her film. Read it below:
“Whilst The Nightingale contains historically accurate depictions of colonial violence and racism towards our indigenous people, the film is not ‘about’ violence. It’s about the need for love, compassion and kindness in dark times.
“Both Aisling Franciosi and myself have been personally contacted by more than a few victims of sexual violence after screenings who are grateful for the film’s honesty and who have drawn comfort from its themes. I do not believe this would be happening if the film was at all gratuitous or exploitative.
“We’ve made this film in collaboration with Tasmanian Aboriginal elders, and they feel it’s an honest and necessary depiction of their history and a story that needs to be told. I remain enormously proud of the film.”
Check out the trailer for The Nightingale:
