Jasper Jones (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Rachel Perkins (director) |
| Products | Mystery drama film |
Jasper Jones is a 2017 Australian mystery drama directed by Rachel Perkins, adapted from Craig Silvey's 2009 novel bearing the same title.
Plot
Set in 1969, the story follows 14-year-old Charlie Bucktin, who resides in Corrigan, a fictional small town in rural Western Australia. His closest companion, Jeffrey Lu, a Vietnamese boy who endures racial discrimination, shares Charlie’s passion for intellectual pursuits. Additionally, Charlie forms a bond with Eliza Wishart, the mayor’s daughter.
On Christmas night, Jasper Jones—an Aboriginal youth marginalized by the community—appears at Charlie’s door seeking assistance. He guides Charlie to the body of Laura Wishart, Jasper’s girlfriend, discovered lifeless in the nearby bushland. Fearing they might be implicated, they decide to conceal her body beneath a pond.
Jeffrey confronts racial barriers when attempting to join Corrigan’s cricket team but ultimately earns his place and helps secure a vital victory. Meanwhile, Charlie and Eliza’s relationship deepens. The town launches a search for Laura, suspecting she has run away. Police question Jasper but he manages to evade them. Rising racial tensions result in curfews and attacks targeting Jeffrey’s family. Meanwhile, Charlie’s mother reveals dissatisfaction with her marriage and is involved in an affair with the investigating police sergeant.
Jasper suspects Mad Jack Lionel, an isolated figure rumored to have a troubled history, as responsible for Laura’s death. On New Year’s Eve, Jasper confronts Lionel and uncovers that he is his estranged grandfather, burdened by remorse over a fatal car accident that claimed his daughter-in-law.
Later, Eliza confides in Charlie that Laura’s death was a suicide following sexual abuse by her father and an ensuing pregnancy. Laura had sought Jasper before taking her own life; Eliza witnessed this but did not intervene. Charlie admits to hiding Laura’s body. Eliza hands Charlie Laura’s suicide note, which they present to her mother—who silently destroys it, suggesting awareness of the abuse yet choosing silence. Eliza then drives Charlie away from her home.
When Charlie tries to report the truth to authorities, he is interrupted by a fire at the Wishart residence. Charlie’s mother departs Corrigan while he remains close to Eliza, who retaliates against her father by setting their home ablaze. The secret surrounding Laura’s demise remains between them.
Cast
- Levi Miller as Charlie Bucktin
- Angourie Rice as Eliza Wishart
- Aaron L. McGrath as Jasper Jones
- Toni Collette as Ruth Bucktin
- Hugo Weaving as Mad Jack Lionel
- Kevin Long as Jeffrey Lu
- Dan Wyllie as Wes Bucktin
- Matt Nable as Sarge
- Susan Prior as Gwyn Wishart
Reception
According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 77% approval rating based on 22 critiques, with an average score of 6.75 out of 10.
C.J. Johnson from ABC Radio described the film as "engrossing, surprising and moving," praising its careful and heartfelt execution. Sarah Ward of Playground commended director Rachel Perkins for crafting "a smart, thoughtful and engaging interpretation" of the source material. Alex Doenau of Trespass lauded the screenplay, cinematography, and performances.
On the other hand, Jim Schembri from 3AW criticized the plot for containing "implausible holes" that diminish suspense. Jake Wilson of The Age offered a mixed assessment, likening the fragmented narrative structure to that of a soap opera.
Accolades
| Award | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards (7th) |
Best Film | David Jowsey | Template:Nom |
| Vincent Sheehan | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Shaun Grant | Template:Nom | |
| Craig Silvey | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Hugo Weaving | Template:Nom | |
| Best Sound | Yulia Akerholt | Template:Nom | |
| James Andrews | Template:Nom | ||
| Liam Egan | Template:Nom | ||
| Les Fiddess | Template:Nom | ||
| Trevor Hope | Template:Nom | ||
| Robert Sullivan | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Production Design | Herbert Pinter | Template:Nom | |
| Best Costume Design | Margot Wilson | Template:Nom | |
| Antipodean Film Festival | Jury Grand Prix, Best Feature Film | Rachel Perkins | Template:Won |
| AWGIE Awards | Best Writing in a Feature Film - Adapted | Shaun Grant | Template:Won |
| Golden Trailer Awards | Best Foreign TV Spot | Template:Nom | |
External links
- 2017 films
- Films based on Australian novels
- Films set in 1969
- Films set in Western Australia
- Films shot in Western Australia
- Australian drama films
- Films about Aboriginal Australians
- Films about racism
- Films about child sexual abuse
- Films about suicide
- Films directed by Rachel Perkins
- Films produced by Liz Watts
- 2010s English-language films
- Screen Australia films
- Films scored by Antony Partos