Wake in Fright

(1971)

In Wake in Fright, John Grant, a teacher on a bond, arrives in the isolated outback town of Bundanyabba with plans to stay for just one night before heading back to Sydney. However, as he immerses himself in the harsh and oppressive environment of the mining town, his stay extends to five nights, forever altering his life.

Grant's initial encounter with the locals sets the tone for his downward spiral. The town's inhabitants, fueled by an insatiable appetite for alcohol and gambling, introduce Grant to their wild and debaucherous lifestyle. As he becomes further entangled in the town's culture, Grant's reserved and educated demeanor slowly erodes, leaving behind a self-loathing shell of a man.

Awakening from an alcohol-induced haze, Grant finds himself trapped in a desolate wasteland, covered in dirt, and plagued by red eyes. In this dire state, he contemplates a single bullet in his rifle, contemplating a suicidal escape from his torment.

Directed by Ted Kotcheff, Wake in Fright paints an unflinching portrait of a man's descent into depravity and self-destruction in the harsh Australian outback. With stunning performances and a raw and gritty atmosphere, this film delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, showcasing the transformative power of a relentless environment.