Cut Snake

Paula, a young woman with her life ahead of her, unwittingly stumbles into a whirlwind romance with Merv (Jessica De Gouw), the perfect suitor she never knew she needed. As their relationship blossoms, Paula blissfully ignores the air of mystery surrounding Merv, choosing to focus on their whirlwind romance instead. Her world is turned upside down when James (Sullivan Stapleton), a man fresh out of prison in Sydney, re-enters Merv's life with an unsettling familiarity. The discovery that her fiancé, Merv, whom James refers to as Sparra, spent four years behind bars for manslaughter charges sends Paula's perceptions of their relationship into a tailspin.

As the truth about Merv's past begins to unravel, the tension between him and James becomes palpable, like a storm brewing on the horizon. The presence of James forces Merv to confront the secrets he's kept hidden, threatening not only his future with Paula but also his very sense of self. The air is charged with an undercurrent of unease as Merv struggles to reconcile his past and present selves.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn midway through the film, introducing a twist that not only heightens the tension but also fundamentally shifts the audience's perspective on the story. This unexpected development might have been more effectively deployed earlier in the second act, some might argue; however, its impact is undeniable, making Cut Snake a unique and captivating cinematic experience.