Set in the ’90s, we follow a young man named Nitram (Caleb Landry Jones) who lives with his mother (Judy Davis) and father (Anthony LaPaglia). Nitram struggles to fit in and get along with others. Sometimes, Nitram gets sad, but thanks to medication and visits with the local doctor, he can get by. His parents find it hard to deal with him as his attitude and mannerisms cause trouble within the community and their home. After Nitram suddenly desires to buy a surfboard, he mows the yards around the local neighbourhood to earn some money. Soon, he meets a woman named Helen (Essie Davis), who becomes something far more than he expected- a close friend. But sadly, when the friendship ends, Nitram is lonely once again. But this time, he grows a mighty rage as more and more challenges and struggles come his way, leading him down the dark path that changes Australia forever. For those who are not aware, Nitram is an Australian movie that focuses on the tragic Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania back in 1996. The film asks one question: How could this massacre ever occur? Nitram is not an easy movie to view. It’s filled with many unsettling moments and tension that continues to build up as the film moves forward. We go on the journey of Nitram, watching his every moment within his own family and how he interacts with others (such as strangers) around him. It’s also ever so uncomfortable to those who know what’s coming as Nitram continues to go from one bad situation to the other on his horrific and tragic path. Overall, Nitram isn’t an easy story to tell, and it’s also not an easy watch either. That being said, there are many great elements within this Australian film. It’s gripping and unsettling, packed with great performances, especially from Caleb Landry Jones. There is a powerful message behind the true story, and the portrayal of the topic of firearms made me respect all that is displayed here. The pacing, for the most part, is enjoyable. Still, I can’t deny that elements such as questionable editing and the film’s general runtime were noticeable on the first viewing. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com