The London Australian Film Festival‘s ‘future cult classic’ slot returns with the rural sci-fi thriller, IN VITRO, a tense and unsettling exploration of biotechnology from the filmmaking team of co-writer/directors Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, and star and co-writer, Talia Zucker (Lake Mungo).
On a struggling cattle farm some years in the future, a life of isolation is taking its toll on young couple, Layla (Zucker) and Jack (Ashley Zukerman - Succession, Fear Street).
With their son away at boarding school, Jack spends his days tending to the livestock and experimenting with new biotechnology, while Layla pines for her son and the life she once had.
One night, everything changes when a storm knocks out power to the property, as unknown forces are unleashed, Jack’s behaviour turns increasingly controlling, and the mysteries of life on the farm begin to unravel.
Rural Australia takes a dystopian turn in this gripping thriller, which is masterfully crafted, beautifully shot, and draws on two brilliant central performances. More proof that independent cinema is alive and well down under!
With thanks to Will Howarth.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Laila (LAFF director): “Strap yourselves in people – this is definitely a taut and tight thriller with some brilliant performances – no wonder it was screened at both Melbourne and Sydney Film Festivals. Creepy as, but in a really good way, and unnervingly plausible, I was literally gripping the seat as I watched. Fabulous film making!”
Stephen (LAFF co-programmer):
"Another brilliant piece of collaborative, independent filmmaking from Australia, and one that is destined to get you thinking about biotech and much more besides. The film is great, but the soundtrack alone makes this one that deserves to be experienced on the big screen!"
REVIEWS
“A masterstroke in nerve-shredding cinema. Its timely, unsettling and thrilling narrative will burrow deep into your mind and stay there for days.” Matthew Eeles (Cinema Australia)
“punches above its weight…an interesting exercise in imagining the future of rural life”
Jennie Kermode (Eye For Film)
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