Last Train to Freo
Last Train to Freo is about as fast paced as the Ghan building starting its journey over to Perth. This drama takes a while to get going, but once it hits full speed, is unstoppable for bizarre twists and turns.
Set onboard the WA metro rail system, the Last Train to Freo follows the journey of two ex cons and a precious law student on the midnight service to Fremantle. Like a couple of year 8’s annoying a year 12 student just before exams, the Tall Thug (Steve Le Marquand) and Trev (Tom Bludge) have nothing better to do than taunt Lisa (Gigi Edgley). Seemingly unaware that the guards are on strike, Lisa remains on the train and entertains the two with light banter, trying to avoid confrontation.
The claustrophobic location of the train carriage draws feelings of apprehensions from the entire audience for Lisa’s predicament. Immature as Trev is, it’s his tattoo-clad accomplice that incites fear into Lisa’s eyes. While some people use words to show emotion, the Tall Thug uses physical violence and brute force at Trev’s expense. It’s obvious from Marquand’s performance how innocent people become victims of violence on Australian train services.
Entirely set onboard, this is a tense psychological drama about five people who find they are not who they think they are. Nothing can be taken at face value. Each person has a very unique story to tell. The depth of the script is unlike any other Australian film released in the last ten years. While it may start off as simple as SBS’s Going Home Train, the tension developed is unparalleled. Not for the faint-hearted, if you like your Australian drama but are tired of yobbo stereotypes, this is well worth a look.
3.5 out of 5
Stewy
