THE 13TH SUMMER (2024)

3 stars

Reel2Reel Films. Digital Release. Out Now

An Aussie thriller, this has Ben (Nathan Phillips) and Vee (Hannah Levien) stopping at a grocery store to pickup supplies. They both seem agitated. They are heading to their secluded beach house for a break. Whilst in the store they see a headline on a magazine – which is referring to Ben – “Killer Cop Walks Free”. This is probably some of the cause of the tension in their relationship.

When they get to their destination they expect to meet up with their friends Kate (Bec Hewitt) and Patrick (Jeremy Stanford, who also wrote the script), who are usually staying in the larger house next door. But they aren’t there – instead they find Brit backpacker Alex (Ben Turland) in the house. He claims to have permission to stay there – but is also quite evasive.

As things progress they get drawn in by this seemingly charming interloper, especially Vee, though Ben remains sceptical… which only increases the tension between the couple. This is exacerbated by the ever present Ben, who clearly isn’t all that he seems. Then something happens that turns things on their head after the slow but effective build.

Director Tam Sainsbury has managed to create a taut psychological thriller with some good twists along the way. The cast are good and its nicely shot by Esteban Rivera. It’s nothing wildly original but it’s well made and keeps you interested.

Steve Kirkham