Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (2024)
Five women embark on a team-building hike in the rugged Aussie bushland in Eastern Australia, but their tranquil retreat takes a sinister turn when one of them vanishes. Enter Detective Aaron Falk, whose stoic presence and keen eye are tasked with untangling the mystery of the missing hiker and the web of secrets that bind the remaining women. This sequel to the acclaimed The Dry trades desert heat for mountain chills, delivering a visually stunning yet narratively uneven experience.
Force of Nature is a slow burn. Director Robert Connolly lingers on breathtaking landscapes, capturing the raw beauty and haunting power of the wilderness. This deliberate pace works wonders when building suspense, leaving us constantly on edge, wondering what lurks around the next bend. However, at times, it feels like the plot takes a scenic detour, meandering through flashbacks and character development that, while enriching, occasionally slows the momentum.
The performances are a mixed bag. Eric Bana reprises his role as Falk with unwavering intensity, portraying a man haunted by past demons. The supporting cast, however, fares less consistently. Some, like Anna Torv, deliver nuanced portrayals, while others struggle to rise above one-dimensional archetypes.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its visual storytelling. The cinematography is masterful, showcasing the unforgiving beauty of the mountains with a keen eye for detail. Every frame feels alive, adding depth and texture to the narrative. The score, a blend of melancholic strings and suspenseful percussion, perfectly complements the visuals, heightening the emotional impact of key scenes.
Where Force of Nature stumbles is in its plot. While the central mystery is intriguing, the reveals didn’t quite pack the punch I expected. The film throws red herrings left and right, keeping us guessing, but the final solution feels more convenient than satisfying. The film also attempts to tackle deeper themes of corporate greed and environmental exploitation, but these explorations remain somewhat superficial, leaving me wanting more.
Force of Nature is a visually captivating film with a compelling premise, but its slow pacing and uneven plot hold it back from reaching its full potential. Still, fans of the first film and those seeking a suspenseful mystery set against a stunning natural backdrop will find something to enjoy. Just don’t expect a white-knuckle thrill ride. For me, the film left me with a lingering sense of unease, haunted by the secrets of the mountains and the characters’ unresolved issues. If you’re in the mood for a slow-burning mystery with stunning visuals, give Force of Nature a shot. But if you crave edge-of-your-seat suspense, this wilderness might leave you wanting more.
(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)