High Ground (2020 film)

High Ground is a 2020 Australian action thriller film directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson and written by Chris Anastassiades. The film stars Simon Baker, Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Jack Thompson, and Callan Mulvey.

Synopsis:

Set in the Northern Territory of Australia in the 1930s, the film tells the story of Travis (Simon Baker), a former World War I sniper turned police officer, who becomes embroiled in a massacre of an Indigenous community. Years later, he is drawn back to the region to track down Baywara (Jacob Junior Nayinggul), a young Indigenous man who, traumatized by the initial violence, is now leading a band of Aboriginal warriors fighting against the encroaching white settlers. Travis must decide whether to bring Baywara to justice or to protect him and prevent further bloodshed, grappling with the moral complexities of colonialism and the brutal realities of the frontier.

Themes:

The film explores themes of colonialism, violence, justice, cultural clash, and the search for redemption. It delves into the historical injustices suffered by Indigenous Australians and examines the lasting impact of those events on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Reception:

High Ground received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its cinematography, performances (especially Nayinggul's debut), and its unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter in Australian history. The film was also commended for its exploration of complex moral issues and its willingness to confront difficult truths about the past. Some criticism was directed towards the pacing and certain aspects of the plot.

Awards:

High Ground was nominated for several awards, including multiple AACTA Awards (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards).