“After The Babadook, Jennifer Kent Made a Brutal Australian Western That Divided Audiences” — what this page in the network covers. Jennifer Kent, the director behind the modern horror classic The Babadook, took a sharp turn with her follow-up film: a brutal Australian Western titled The Nightingale. Set in 1825 Tasmania, the film follows a young Irish convict woman seeking revenge against a British officer who committed horrific acts. Aisling Franciosi stars alongside Baykali Ganambarr, with Sam Claflin as the antagonist.
The Nightingale premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2018, where it won the Special Jury Prize, but its unflinching depictions of violence—including sexual assault and racism—sparked walkouts and intense debate. Kent defended the film's graphic content, arguing it was necessary to honestly portray colonial atrocities. Despite the controversy, many critics praised its uncompromising vision and powerful performances. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.