The Furnace is an international film directed by Roderick MacKay, set in Western Australia during the late 19th century. The movie stars Ahmed Malek, Baykali Ganambarr, and Kaushik Das as three unique individuals who must overcome personal struggles while facing the harsh Australian outback. The film opens with the introduction of an ensemble of characters, including a young Indian man, Hanif (played by Ahmed Malek), who is on the run for stealing money from a wealthy British couple in order to provide for his sick wife. Hanif seeks refuge with an old friend and fellow Indian immigrant, Jundah (played by Kaushik Das), who has made a living as a camel driver in the outback.
Jundah is hired by a rich French businessman, Malouf (played by David Wenham), to transport valuable goods across the Australian desert using his camels. Ganambarr's character, Mal, a native Aboriginal tracker, joins Jundah on their journey as he is hired to guide them through the unforgiving landscape.
As they embark on their journey, tensions rise as Hanif's secret is uncovered, and Mal is suspicious of the intentions of the two migrants. The shifting landscape and the daunting challenge of travelling through the vast desert is made all the more perilous by the constant threat of bush fires, hostile tribes, and the intensity of the Australian heat.
Throughout the journey, we learn about the characters' pasts, and the motivations that have led them to undertake this dangerous journey. Hanif is driven by his love for his wife and desire for a better life, Jundah seeks to protect Hanif, Mal is on a mission to protect his ancestral land, and Malouf's intentions may be more sinister than they initially appear.
As they travel further into the desert, the group clashes with a rival camel driving gang, leading to a high-octane sequence of events that tests their loyalty to each other and their ability to survive in the unforgiving wilderness.
The film's visual storytelling is excellent, capturing the stunning and harsh Australian landscape with stunning cinematography. The Furnace also features top-notch performances from the cast, with Ahmed Malek's portrayal of Hanif being especially notable. The film's score, composed by Canadian musician Matteo Zingales, adds to the haunting and compelling atmosphere throughout the film.
Ultimately, The Furnace is a powerful and moving film that explores themes such as identity, displacement, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. The film offers a unique perspective on Australia's history told through different cultural lenses, and the complexity of the human experience. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Western Australian history or storytelling that explores the human condition.
The Furnace is a 2021 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
