Rams (2020 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Jeremy Sims (director), Jules Duncan (writer) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Key people | Jeremy Sims (director), Jules Duncan (writer), Sam Neill, Michael Caton, Miranda Richardson (actors), Antony Partos (composer) |
| Products | Film |
Rams is a 2020 Australian comedy-drama feature directed by Jeremy Sims, penned by Jules Duncan, and starring Sam Neill, Michael Caton, and Miranda Richardson. This film is an adaptation of the 2015 Icelandic movie Rams, originally created by Grímur Hákonarson.
The movie had its debut screening at the CinefestOZ Film Festival on 27 August 2020, followed by a theatrical release across Australia on 29 October 2020, where it garnered mostly positive critical feedback.
At the 2021 ARIA Music Awards, its soundtrack received a nomination for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album.
Cast
- Sam Neill portraying Colin
- Michael Caton as Les
- Miranda Richardson in the role of Kat
- Asher Keddie playing Angela
- Wayne Blair as Lionel
- Leon Ford in the role of De Vries
- Asher Yasbincek portraying Sally
Production
Jules Duncan, formerly a television reporter for Channel 9 and regional broadcaster GWN, wrote Rams, marking his debut screenplay. Based on the Icelandic original of the same title, director Jeremy Sims characterizes this Australian version as a "complete reinterpretation." The project reunites Sims with actor Michael Caton and members of the crew from his earlier film, Last Cab to Darwin. Notably, Caton and co-star Sam Neill had previously collaborated in the 1976 TV series The Sullivans.
Principal photography commenced on 1 October 2018, with all filming taking place in Mount Barker, Western Australia. The lead roles featuring Caton and New Zealand actor Neill were confirmed in October 2018, with English actress Miranda Richardson joining the cast in November. The production incorporated several Dorset Horn sheep, a distinctive breed recognized for their spiral horns. Australian composer Antony Partos, known for scoring Animal Kingdom, The Rover, and the television drama The Slap, created the film’s musical score.
Release
Announced on 17 July 2020 as the opening feature for the 2020 CinefestOZ Film Festival, Rams premiered in Busselton, Western Australia during CineFestOZ on 27 August 2020. Following several postponements, the film was released nationwide in Australian cinemas on 29 October 2020.
Box office
Rams launched at number one at the Australian box office, generating $568,722 during its opening weekend. Its total earnings include $3,624,786 from Australia, $748,290 from New Zealand, and $3,705 from Russia, culminating in a worldwide gross of $4,376,781.
Critical reception
The film was met with generally positive critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, most reviewers gave favorable assessments, reflected in a strong average rating. The consensus praises Rams as "a rare remake that preserves the heart of the original," highlighting the compelling dynamic between its seasoned actors and its insightful depiction of complicated sibling bonds.
Luke Buckmaster from The Guardian commended Sam Neill and Michael Caton's performances as genuine and well-suited to their roles. Leigh Paatsch of the Herald Sun characterized the movie as an engaging black comedy coupled with a perceptive drama.
Accolades
| Award | Date of Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards | 3 November 2020 | Best Actor | Sam Neill | Template:Nom |
| 8 December 2021 | Best Film | Janelle Landers | Template:Nom | |
| Aidan O'Bryan | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Jules Duncan | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Michael Caton | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Original Music Score | Antony Partos | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Costume Design | Tess Schofield | Template:Nom |