IFC Films will release Justin Kurzel’s award winning film Nitram (True History of the Kelly Gang, Snowtown Murders Macbeth) which premiered in competition at the 2021 Cannes International Film Festival to outstanding critical reception.
The film is a portrait of the real-life Australian mass killer involved in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, Australia which led to fundamental changes of gun control law in Australia. The film won actor Caleb Landry Jones (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Get Out, Heaven Knows What) a prize for best actor in his performance as the title role, Nitram. The film also stars Essie Davis (The Babadook, True History of the Kelly Gang), Judy Davis (Barton Fink, Naked Lunch), and Anthony LaPaglia (Empire Records, Without A Trace). Nitram dominated the 2021 Australian Academy Awards last night with 15 nominations, and 8 total wins for Best Film, Best Lead Actor, Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
IFC Films plans to release the film on March 30th 2022, day and date on AMC+, AMC Networks’ premium streaming bundle, a first for the distributor.
Nitram (Caleb Landry Jones) lives with his mother (Judy Davis) and father (Anthony LaPaglia) in suburban Australia in the Mid 1990s. He lives a life of isolation and frustration at never being able to fit in. That is until he unexpectedly finds a close friend in a reclusive heiress, Helen (Essie Davis). However, when that relationship meets a tragic end, and Nitram’s loneliness and anger grow, he begins a slow descent that leads to disaster.
Director Justin Kurzel added, ““Arianna and IFC Films have been like my American film family having looked after Snowtown and True History of the Kelly Gang. I am thrilled that the relationship continues with NITRAM, I couldn’t think of a better home for the film.”
Watch the trailer for Nitram.