Shame ★★★

THE 1988 Australian drama Shame is a film before its time.

If it had been released within the last few years, Shame would not have been overlooked and may even have created a lot of interest and controversy.

But back in 1988, the story of a country town intent on covering up a culture of rape and abuse was considered a worthy exercise but not exactly a must-watch recommendation.

It was a modest film, shot in rural Western Australia, directed by Steve Jodrell, written by Beverly Blankenship and Michael Brindley and starred Deborra-Lee Furness, all of whom were relatively unknown at the time.

Furness, who would eventually become Hugh Jackman’s long-time wife, plays Asta Cadell, a barrister from Perth who is taking time out for a while, travelling solo by motorcycle around the country.

When her bike is damaged, she has to stay in a small town while waiting for replacement parts. Immediately she feels the weight of sexual harassment that permeates the town’s population, aided by the indifference of the local police.

As Asta speaks to more of the town’s women she comes to realise they are literally under siege, in daily fear of being assaulted by a protected clique of rampant, young men. Her courage causes one of the victims to speak out, but the consequences continue to be severe.

Based on the level of exploitative action films being made in Australia around the same time, Shame could have easily taken the same path with Furness’ character leaning more into being the catalyst for action and revenge.

But this remains a quieter and more thoughtful film throughout, thus becoming more of a legitimate voice against some of the real-life attitudes that existed at the time.

Watched on Prime.