Nitram (2021)
Not that I intended to watch two films based on actual mass murderers, with Holy Spider yesterday, but it does make for an interesting comparison. They are similar in that both are fairly straightforward with what they are doing from the start, and there are no big surprises as such - even though I didn’t have any previous knowledge of the actual events. I think this succeeds better with its intention as the film is not interested in either how or why, but more giving time to give a sense of the circumstances, covering many years, leading to the tragic conclusion. It is yet another film that is almost solely carried by a chilling performance by the main lead, but I will also highlight Judy Davis as the mother. In some ways, she was the most interesting character for me, because she is much less explained. It would be too harsh to say the film puts direct blame on her, and I have no idea how much of that is due to artistic license, but her disdain for what her son has become is definitely strongly suggested as a main factor leading to what Nitram did. Yet we still get a sense that she loves her son, but there is so much weight on her shoulders. Right from the start it is clear she has fought for this kid for many years, but it has worn her down completely and she has basically given up on him. And herself as well. I like that the film isn’t about assigning clear blame on anyone, but it doesn’t remove blame from anyone either.
Rating: 4