EFF: Shame on Dry Land

Syndabocken

Australian premiere

“Petersén crafts a tight and engrossing thriller that calls back to 1970s neo-noir American films” — Cineuropa

A cunning but guilt-ridden swindler becomes entangled in online gambling and tax evasion scams as he seeks forgiveness, in this incendiary existential thriller.

After a decade in exile, guilt-ridden Dimman unexpectedly appears in Malta for his old friend and former business partner Frederik’s nuptials. Dimman is unwanted, having previously embroiled Frederik in a scam that ended badly, but he’s barely attempted to make amends before being sucked into another shady job. He’s forced to tail a dangerous man, with his own nefarious agenda, and it’s not long before Dimman embroils his old friend Fredrik in another haphazard scheme.

Axel Petersén’s stylish, tense, and sensual sun-drenched thriller uses to great effect the stunning Malta locations, depicting a glamorous lifestyle that masks the moral rot that courses through its hedonistic ex-pat inhabitants.

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

93 min

Language

Swedish, English, Maltese (English subtitles)

Director

Axel Petersén