Felony (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Joel Edgerton (screenplay, production, lead role) |
Key people | Matthew Saville (director), Joel Edgerton (writer, producer, actor), Rosemary Blight (producer), Michael Benaroya (producer) |
| Products | Crime thriller film |
Felony is a 2013 Australian crime thriller film directed by Matthew Saville, with the screenplay, production, and lead role undertaken by Joel Edgerton. The cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Jai Courtney, and Melissa George. It debuted in the Special Presentation category at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.
Plot
Detective Malcolm “Mal” Toohey (Joel Edgerton) is shot during a raid on a drug laboratory but survives thanks to his bulletproof vest. Later, while driving under the influence, he strikes a boy riding a bicycle with his car’s side mirror. Although Mal contacts emergency services, he denies any involvement in the incident. Young detective Jim Melic (Jai Courtney) and his partner Carl Summer (Tom Wilkinson) arrive at the scene; Carl recognizes Mal and discreetly sends him home, which raises suspicions for Jim.
The injured boy, William Sarduka, is admitted to hospital, and Jim forms a bond with William’s mother, Ankhila (Sarah Roberts). Meanwhile, Carl becomes fixated on tracking down a pedophile suspect named Victor. Mal confides in Carl about his desire to come clean regarding the accident, but Carl advises him to keep quiet for their own protection.
As William’s condition deteriorates, Mal’s marriage to Julie (Melissa George) becomes increasingly strained. Despite Carl’s warnings, Jim persists in investigating Mal and offers support to Ankhila. Following William’s death in hospital, tensions escalate further.
Mal informs Jim of his intention to confess; Carl derides Mal’s resolve and accuses Jim of inappropriate conduct with Ankhila, leading to a physical confrontation. During the altercation, Carl suffers a stroke and is hospitalized. Mal discloses to Jim that their meeting was not captured on any surveillance cameras, suggesting mutual awareness of each other’s secrets.
After crashing his vehicle and collapsing near Ankhila’s residence, Mal regains consciousness to find paramedics and police questioning him. He admits culpability for the accident; Ankhila acknowledges his assistance but refrains from assigning blame. The film concludes with Mal and Julie escorting their children to school while observing Jim nearby, hinting at a developing alliance between Mal and Jim.
Cast
- Tom Wilkinson as Carl Summer
- Joel Edgerton as Malcolm "Mal" Toohey
- Jai Courtney as Jim Melic
- Melissa George as Julie Toohey
- Sarah Roberts as Ankhila Sarduka
- Corinna Everson as Sondra
- Tracy Mann as Gina Hopkins
Production
The film was directed by Matthew Saville, with production led by Rosemary Blight and Michael Benaroya. Joel Edgerton contributed as writer, producer, and actor.
Reception
Felony received a 70% "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 33 reviews, with an average rating of 6.61/10. Critics commended its intellectually engaging script, precise direction, and compelling performances.
Accolades
| Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Award (4th) |
Best Sound | William Ward | Template:Nom |
| Robert Mackenzie | Template:Nom | ||
| Andrew Plain | Template:Nom | ||
| Grant Shepherd | Template:Nom | ||
| ADG Award | Best Direction in a Feature Film | Matthew Saville | Template:Nom |
| AFCA Award | Best Supporting Actor | Jai Courtney | Template:Nom |
| ASSG Award | Feature Film Soundtrack of the Year | Bryony Marks | Template:Nom |
| Best Achievement in Mixing for a Feature Film | Robert Mackenzie | Template:Nom | |
| Sam Hayward | Template:Nom | ||
| FCCA Awards | Best Screenplay | Joel Edgerton | Template:Nom |
| Best Actor | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Jai Courtney | Template:Nom | |
| Tom Wilkinson | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Melissa George | Template:Nom |