Meth Kelly

Meth Kelly

2020 · 5 min · Drama

Meth Kelly explores how Australia’s colonial frontier narrative has been shaped by the imaginary heroic actions of the cult figure Ned Kelly. Through a video work projected in one of the shadowy tunnels of the ex-convict structures at Cockatoo Island, this work questions the legitimacy of Kelly’s hero status through a modern reinterpretation of his moral persona. Thornton skews the national narrative rooted in the romance of a Western, by transforming Kelly into a “meth head robbing a 7 Eleven”, placing him in a banal (sub)urban delinquent realm, far removed from cult status. Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney.

Directed by Warwick Thornton

Your Rating

Make it a double feature

1h 58m together

Meth Kelly

Sweet Country

Both from Warwick Thornton.

More from Warwick ThorntonSee all →

Buried Country

Buried Country · 2000

MovieDocumentary

Buried Country was a cross-media juggernaut – book, film, CD – that first came out in 2000. The book was published by Pluto Press, beautifully designed by Wendy Farley; the documentary was produced through Film Australia/SBS TV, and directed by Andy Nehl, shot by Warwick Thornton and narrated by Kev Carmody

The Darkside

The Darkside · 2013

Writer and Director Warwick Thornton has assembled a collection of the most poignant, sad, funny and absurd ghost stories from around Australia. He will bring them to life with the help of some of Australia's most iconic actors as the storytellers.

Green Bush

Green Bush · 2005

MovieDramaMusic

An Australian Aboriginal DJ realizes that his job at the country radio station is about more than just playing music.

5 Seasons

5 Seasons · 2005

MovieDocumentary

In these fast and modern times, the Numurindi people are still guided by the seasons and stories of the Dreamtime. This observational documentary focuses on Moses Numamurdirdi and his family's fight to hold onto their culture and ways in an ever-changing world.

Audacious

Audacious · 1995

A sexually repressed but inquisitive wife stumbles across an interactive pornographic computer program when she borrows her workmates computer. The program is AUDACIOUS; a husband and wife team who invites you to share your fantasies. She submits her fantasies, and becomes addicted to watching them being enacted on the videos they create. Her husband discovers the videos, leading them to question the relevance fantasy has to their marriage. Sometimes simple fantasies are the most telling.

Nulla Nulla

Nulla Nulla · 2015

Fresh out of the academy, White Cop experiences his first taste of Aboriginal community life, as Black Cop puts him to the test.

Mystery Road

Mystery Road · 2018

SeriesMysteryDrama

When there is a mysterious disappearance on an outback cattle station, Detective Jay Swan is assigned to investigate. Working with local cop Emma James, Jay’s investigation uncovers a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.

Stone Forever

Stone Forever · 1999

MovieDocumentary

Over 30,000 bikers turned up in 1998 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stone and recreate the funeral scene.

The Sapphires

The Sapphires · 2012

MovieComedyDrama

It's 1968, and four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when they entertain the US troops in Vietnam as singing group The Sapphires.

Bear

Jack means well, but sometimes good intentions have horrible consequences.

The Beach

The Beach · 2020

SeriesDocumentary

Filmmaker Warwick Thornton's international success has come at a personal cost. He has reached a crossroad in his life and something has to change. He has chosen to try giving up life in the fast lane for a while, to go it alone, on an isolated beach in one of the most beautiful yet brutal environments in the world, to see if he can transform and heal his life.

Sweet Country

Sweet Country · 2018

MovieWesternCrime

In 1929, an Australian Aboriginal stockman kills a white station owner in self-defense and goes on the lam, pursued by a posse.

Kangaroo

Kangaroo · 2025

MovieFamilyComedy

Ex TV personality, Chris Masterman, becomes stranded in an Outback town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community—an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.

Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah · 2009

Samson and Delilah

MovieDramaRomance

Samson, a cheeky 15-year-old boy, and Delilah, live in an isolated Aboriginal community in the Central Australian desert. The two teenagers soon discover that life outside the community can be cruel. Lost, unwanted and alone they discover that life isn’t always fair, but love never judges.

Firebite

Firebite · 2021

SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy

In a remote South-Australian desert mining town — a hive for the last vampire stronghold — two Indigenous Australian hunters embark on a quest to battle the last colony of vampires.

Fast Charlie

Fast Charlie · 2023

MovieActionCrime

When his aging mob boss is whacked, Charlie Swift, a loyal friend and hired gun, will stop at nothing to destroy the upcoming crew that took him out.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter