Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here is an enigmatic 2012 Australian drama-thriller directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith. The film features admirable performances from a small ensemble cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer, Felicity Price, and Antony Starr.

At its core, Wish You Were Here is a gripping mystery that's layered with lush character-based drama, clever plot twists, and penetrating exploration of the human psyche. Set between suburban Sydney and exotic Cambodia, this film embarks upon a narrative that sees the peaceful life of its protagonists rattled after a nightmarish vacation.

Joel Edgerton portrays Dave Flannery, an architect who, along with his wife, Alice, played by talented actress Felicity Price, seems to have life figured out with two beautiful children and a comfortable lifestyle. Teresa Palmer gives a stirring performance as Steph, Alice's younger, free-spirited sister, and Antony Starr shines in his role as Jeremy, Steph's new boyfriend. The drama begins to unfold as the four decide to take a spontaneous holiday together in Cambodia, but only three come back.

The brooding mystery, hinged around the unexplained disappearance of Jeremy during their overseas escapade, forms the crux of the film's storyline. The trio's return to their homeland brings no relief as they find themselves entangled in a web of lies, betrayal and guilt, which pulverizes their peace and puts a strain on their relationships. The narrative is disjointed but deliberately so, allowing the story to transition back and forth between their idyllic vacation and the somber aftermath, releasing snippets of the fateful vacation and slowly revealing what transpired on that night.

Edgerton, seen previously in films like The Great Gatsby and Warrior, puts in an impressive performance as Dave- A man wrestling with his conscience, trying to shield his domestic life from crumbling amidst a haunting tragedy. Price, who also co-wrote the script, flawlessly depicts a woman grappling with unspeakable fear and probing the boundaries of her loyalty. Palmer, who plays Steph, brilliantly displays the layers of a woman torn between her love for her sister and the horrifying reality she faces.

Wish You Were Here isn't afraid to explore the darker aspects of its characters. It is a deep dive into their psyche, raising critical questions about morality and responsibility in light of the haunting circumstances they find themselves in. Fueled by an unsettling ambiance, it slowly peels back the character's layers to reveal the complexities of their guilt, fear, and grief.

Additionally, the film is noteworthy for its stunning cinematography. Jules O'Loughlin's camera excellently captures the day-to-day suburban life in Australia juxtaposed with the sizzling streets and dark underbelly of Cambodia. The atmospheric music from composer Haydn Walker also contributes to the escalating tension and provides an eerie backdrop that sets the mood for a chilling mystery.

Wish You Were Here is far from a conventional mystery-drama. It does not provide quick answers, preferring to let things simmer and unfold leisurely. As the truths are gradually unveiled, viewers are left to grapple with the unsettling implications and brought to confront the grey area of human morality.

Director Kieran Darcy-Smith's Wish You Were Here is something of a slow-burner, building suspense and intensity gradually throughout its running time. The intriguing narrative, characterized by its creative storytelling and exceptional performances, paints a picture that will linger with you long after the cinema lights come back on.

Overall, Wish You Were Here could be deemed an exploration of human psychology under duress rather than simply a thriller. The film leaves its audience not only speculating about the mystery at its core but also confronted with questions of morality, guilt, and the lengths one would go to protect the people they love. With its powerfully compelling storyline, intense performances, and deep character insights, it stands as a distinctive addition to the genre of mystery-drama films.