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Samson and Delilah (2009, written and directed by Warwick Thornton) took me for an intensely emotional ride with glimmers of both hope and humour. It takes place largely in one of many Australian Aboriginal communities, which are characteristically defined by poverty, alcohol abuse and violence.

There are long sequences with no dialogue as we simply observe the characters go about their daily, monotonous routines. The terrible conditions in which they live are incredibly striking and discomforting, and it appears that they have essentially nothing to do – no jobs, no school, no purpose… except for those who are responsible for caring for the sick and elderly.

A big part of what makes Samson and Delilah so tragic is that stories such as this are rooted in fact. The horrific living conditions combined with the exploitation and abuse from within and especially outside the community are both heartbreaking and enraging.

The acting is amazing, especially considering that it is mainly dialogue-free. Thornton’s pacing is good and despite it being relatively slow, it is riveting. It is delivered in a very matter-of-fact manner and I was pretty blown away by this film – it had a great impact on me and its imagery and tone are still with me months later.

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