Derelict

Based on a grizzly true story, Jonathan Zaurin’s new, multi-faceted crime-drama Derelict will inevitably leave audiences intrigued and a little traumatised. It packs one hell of a punch, not only due to its shocking content but because of the power of its storytelling. The piece is centred around two characters on opposite sides of the same coin: the mourning and vengeful Abigail who searches for the person responsible for her father’s violent death; and Matt – a young man with a connection to his demise.

The film is very willing to depict some pretty horrific things – almost up to a point that may turn off some audiences. It deals with murder, suicide and torture; in addition to sequences which are excruciating to watch in our current climate. I’m thinking specifically of the abuse and assault suffered by our protagonist at the hands of a gang-member. If there’s a problem with the film in terms of a mainstream audience response, it is that scenes such as these may prove to be too much for your average viewer. But on the other hand, there’s a lot to admire in the fact that Zaurin is okay with depicting darkness and its complexities.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Derelict’s construction is its non-linear narrative arrangement. By dividing this non-chronological story into chapter headings – and by oscillating back and forth between two important perspectives – the viewing experience becomes a more active and thoughtful one. Zaurin also explains how this engaging formal technique also acts as a way of creating empathy. The script explores Matt’s journey just as much as it does Abigail’s – and in doing so, we’re allowed to further understand how circumstances and an individual’s damaging surroundings can result in a disregard for human life.

On a technical or aesthetic level, the filmmakers intelligently use fluctuating monochrome and colour photography so as to situate the viewer in the specific moment in a character’s journey. Depending on which way their life is heading, or their general circumstances and motivations at any particular moment, it’s as if they see the world in stark black and white – similar to how Abigail's quest for vengeance paints evil with a broad brush – while naturalistic colour tones express a more balanced world. To accomplish this, varying lighting methods had to be utilised, demonstrating the ceaseless creative effort and attention to detail present in this production.

While not told with a conventional beginning and ending, everything we need in terms of catharsis and understanding comes through the filmmaker’s expert control of tone and emotion. This is also helped along by some truly outstanding performances; performances which are allowed room to breathe, and for the actors to intuitively express what’s within. To surmise, this is a tightly constructed yet sprawling feature film. And yet it also manages to be a deeply personal picture – a tale of brutality, injustice, and eventually letting go.

(Derelict is on digital now from Miracle Media and it will have its Blu-ray release from 101 Films on September 22nd)