Harlequin (film)

Harlequin is a 1980 Australian psychological thriller film directed by Simon Wincer and starring Robert Powell, David Hemmings, and Carmen Duncan.

The film is a modern-day retelling of the Rasputin story. Powell plays Gregory Wolfe, a mysterious faith healer who enters the lives of a prominent Australian politician, Neil Rastor (Hemmings), and his wife, Sandra (Duncan). Wolfe quickly ingratiates himself into their lives, seemingly curing their son's leukemia and exerting a powerful influence over Sandra. Rastor becomes increasingly suspicious of Wolfe's motives and his past, leading to a confrontation with potentially deadly consequences.

The film explores themes of faith, skepticism, power, and manipulation. It received generally positive reviews upon release, with particular praise for Powell's performance and the film's atmospheric direction. It was nominated for several Australian Film Institute Awards.