A drama-thriller about an Irish woman's search for revenge has been described as 'deeply distressing' and 'not for the faint hearted' after the film arrived on Netflix. Watch the trailer below:
Originally released in 2018, The Nightingale is set in 1825 and stars Irish-Italian actor Aisling Franciosi, who is known for her work on the BBC drama The Fall and as Lyanna Stark in Game of Thrones.
It's directed by Jennifer Kent, who was behind much-loved 2014 horror film The Babadook.
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Franciosi plays a young Irish convict woman named Clare who is set on getting revenge against a British officer, portrayed by Me Before You actor Sam Claflin, who committed horrendous acts of violence against her and her family.
A bid to report the incident to an official proves futile, so Clare takes matters into her own hands with the help of an Aboriginal tracker named Billy, played by Baykali Ganambarr, who is dealing with his own trauma from a violence-filled past.
Together the pair journey through the rugged wilderness of present-day Tasmania, tracking the officer and his soldiers while also feuding with each other.
The film received positive reviews upon its release, winning the special jury prize when it premiered in Venice and being described by critics as 'serious film-making, worthy of attention' and a 'fearless, breathtaking masterpiece', though viewers have made clear that it is not an easy watch.
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One Twitter user wrote: "Jennifer Kent's 'The Nightingale blew me away.
"It's a stunning depiction of settler colonialism as seemingly inescapable real-life horror story. Now on Netflix (note: it's a truly tough watch - sexual violence features v prominently)."
Another commented: "The Nightingale (2018) is now on Netflix it’s a must see film but grim and not for the faint hearted.
"It’s disturbing and brutal definitely doesn’t hold back on the bloodiest parts of Australian colonialism."
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Franciosi herself admitted the film was a tough one to create, telling Awards Daily it was 'difficult' and adding: "I was completely exhausted by the end of it, both physically and emotionally.
"I knew it would be hard, but I was surprised at how hard I found it to bounce back afterward to be honest."
The actor said she knew immediately she wanted to star in The Nightingale, saying she would 'fight to the death' for the role and promising to give it her all.
Though the film is a difficult watch, Franciosi made clear she doesn't not regret 'any single part of it', describing herself as 'so proud' and saying it would hold a special place in her heart.
You can watch The Nightingale on Netflix now.
Topics: TV and Film, Twitter, Viral, Netflix
Emily Brown