Hearts and Bones

Hearts and Bones is an emotionally impactful Australian drama film released in 2019, directed by Ben Lawrence. The movie is front-lined by Hugo Weaving, renowned for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix series, and introduces Sudanese-Australian actor Andrew Luri, who debuts his acting career with a standout performance. Hayley McElhinney, recognised for her part in The Babadook, further strengthens the cast with her on-screen presence.

The narrative centers on two seemingly unconnected men dealing with their own personal traumas, very different yet interwoven with themes of the past, grief, and the human capacity for resilience.

On one hand, we have Dan Fisher, played brilliantly by Hugo Weaving, a professional war photographer battling PTSD. His character is a man worn down by continued exposure to conflict zones around the world, indirectly taking part in the calamities and suffering he photographs. Fisher carries the impact of the events he has documented and struggles with the weight of his profession.

On the other hand, we have Sebastian Ahmed, enacted by Andrew Luri. Ahmed is a refugee from South Sudan, residing in Sydney with his wife and child. He is a man grappling with the tormenting memories of his past, and a vast cultural gap that he cycles through daily in his new home.

Their paths cross when Fisher plans an exhibition that includes pictures from a past conflict in Ahmed's homeland, stirring emotions and evoking deeply seated traumatic memories. This sets the stage for an unlikely friendship, one that has a shared goal of dealing with the ghosts of the past. They navigate through their own respective crossroads, reflections, and reconcile their feelings about their shared and personal histories.

Hayley McElhinney plays Josie Avril, Fisher's partner. Josie, as a pivotal character herself, offers a profound image of strength. Her relationship with Fisher is beautifully fragile and complex—the understanding and accommodation highlight the complexities of living with a partner dealing with PTSD.

The film uses the broader context of the terrifying brutality of war as a backdrop to explore the deep, personal, face-to-face encounter with trauma. It honestly depicts the great lengths individuals must go to reclaim their peace and find an outlet for their pain. This is a raw and human story underlined by empathy, making the audience associate and invest in the lives of the characters.

The cinematography is accomplished and offers a stark contrast between the suburban life in Sydney and the haunting photo stills from the war-torn regions Fisher has worked in. The contrasts are not just in the environments but also in the states of mind of the characters. The movie presents a bridge connecting two worlds, allowing the characters to encounter, connect, and comprehend each other's experiences.

Hearts and Bones mainly explores themes of trauma, guilt and redemption and provides a commentary on how society copes with the aftermath of wars and conflict. The film subtly addresses issues of migration, highlighting the cultural transition struggles faced by immigrants. It remarkably captures the pain of settling into a new environment, far removed from one's homeland and resonates with the feeling of not quite belonging.

The screenplay by Ben Lawrence and Beatrix Christian is remarkable and provides a detailed look into each character's life without ever feeling intrusive. The dialogue is sharp, and the narration meticulously maintains balance and sensitivity, given the heavy subjects it encompasses.

Hearts and Bones is a testimony to the timeless human spirit of survival amidst adversities. It is powerful yet tender, giving audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film subtly blurs the lines between the personal and the political, the local and the global, giving audiences food for thought. The exceptional performances, atmospheric cinematography, and sensitive direction combine to create a poignant visual narrative that is hard to forget. The movie is an essential viewing for anyone who appreciates cinema that is not just entertaining but also provides a subtle commentary on contemporary socio-political issues.