In Like Flynn

In Like Flynn is a 2018 Australian biographical film that details the adventurous early moments that molded the life of Errol Flynn, a compelling character who would eventually attain global stardom as a leading star in Hollywood's Golden Age. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the movie features the talents of Thomas Cocquerel, Corey Large, and William Moseley. The film is a testament not just to Flynn’s charisma, but also his spirit of adventure and the persona that he exhibited off-screen, just as much as he did when the director yelled 'action.'

The film begins by introducing us to a young Errol Flynn (played by Thomas Cocquerel) in his pre-fame years. We see him as a rugged adventurer living in 1930s Australia, guiding tourists through the harsh outback town of Townsville, Queensland. Instead of the polished Hollywood star, we experience a raw, brawling and charming thrill-seeker, who seeks to transform his life exploring dangerous terrain and dangerous professions.

Errol's audacious spirit isn't confined to the Australian outback alone. He soon finds himself in Papua New Guinea, where he's prospecting for gold. Here, tightly wound, suspenseful sequences offer audiences an immersive cinematic experience. These scenes expertly cast the stage for the adventurous life that awaited Flynn and the accumulation of experiences that would contribute to his significant on-screen presence.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a diverse set of this movie's characters. There's Rex (played by Corey Large), an opium-addicted Canadian seaman who becomes Flynn's trusted companion. Dook (played by William Moseley), an English gentleman also joins Flynn's rag-tag crew. These characters, along with a crew of brambly misfits, set sail on a reclaimed boat, named the 'Sirocco,' their goal? To mine gold.

But, as we find out, the ambitious escape is just one part of the thrill. Errol and his crew must traverse the treacherous waves of the New Guinea coast, as well as the myriad dangers that lie in the jungle. They face aggressive tribals, merciless motley crews, tumultuous weather conditions, and even risks from within their own group. All this, while working together to reach their shared goal, helps forge a bond amongst them, creating opportunities for moments of camaraderie and humor while giving us a glimpse into the lives of these interconnected characters.

The lead actor, Thomas Cocquerel, does a brilliant job as a young Flynn, portraying his daring, charm, and wit with a powerful on-screen presence that echoes Flynn’s charisma. You can't help but admire Flynn's audacious charm and unyielding spirit as Cocquerel makes his character alive. Other performances, including Corey Large's portrayal of Rex and William Moseley as Dook, wrap well around the lead, delivering a riveting narrative.

In Like Flynn takes us on an exhilarating journey of exploration, the transformation of aspiring men, thriving on danger and driven by the promise of wealth. It is an immersion into a fast-paced world filled with action and adventure. It is not your average biopic. This film doesn’t delve into Flynn’s later life as a big-time Hollywood actor, and it doesn’t need to. It understands what makes Errol Flynn fascinating is not just his Hollywood stardom, but the real-life adventures he undertook.

The movie is beautifully filmed, with panoramic sequences that capture the raw beauty and danger of the Australian landscapes and the New Guinea territory. Furthermore, the film excels in its fast-pace and kinetic energy, mimicking the chaotic and unpredictable life that Flynn led before he was an international star.

Overall, In Like Flynn offers a wild ride that takes you into the heart of adventure, filled with suspense, tension, and danger. It’s a thrilling biography of a man who existed just as charmingly off-screen as he did when filming swashbuckling roles in Hollywood. If you're a fan of exploring adventurous biographies, high seas tales, or have a fondness for Hollywood's Golden Age, you'll find this film a fascinating watch. It successfully blends together moments of action, humor, and camaraderie, providing viewers with a rousing, if somewhat embellished, tale of the man who was Errol Flynn.