True History of the Kelly Gang headed to Stan

Upcoming feature film True History of the Kelly Gang will have a cinema release and screen on Stan over summer.

Inspired by Peter Carey’s Man Booker prize-winning novel of the same name, the fictionalised re-telling of the life of Ned Kelly, was written for the screen by Shaun Grant and directed by Justin Kurzel.

Spanning the younger years of Ned Kelly’s life leading up to the time of his death, the film explores the blurred boundaries between good and evil and the motivations behind the demise of the infamous outlaw – with a fractured love story between mother and son resting at the beating heart of this tragic tale.

The cast features George MacKay, Russell Crowe, Nicholas Hoult, Essie Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Claudia Karvan, Earl Cave and Charlie Hunnam.

Justin Kurzel, Director and Producer said: “I am thrilled in the boldness and daring by Stan to embrace our ambitious film. For Australians to see our take on Peter Carey’s extraordinary book in cinemas and on Stan over the summer is very exciting. I hope as many eyes as possible get the opportunity to see a film the makers are deeply proud of.”

Graeme Mason CEO Screen Australia said: “True History of the Kelly Gang is a remarkable and often surprising film, with enthralling performances expertly captured by Kurzel. After the stellar TIFF world premiere, I’m really looking forward to Australians being able to enjoy this home-grown story.”

Nick Forward, Stan’s Chief Content Officer said: “The story of Ned Kelly has become a quintessential part of Australian culture and Justin’s ambitious new take, combined with a standout cast of award-winning Australian and international performers, is guaranteed to get people talking.”

“Lithe and volatile and recklessly stylized to the hilt, True History of the Kelly Gang has moves like Jagger, but a head still teeming with language and history,” praised Guy Lodge, Variety.

“[True History of the Kelly Gang is] a raw rebel yell of a movie that combines visceral violence with a kind of delirious, scrappy poetry,” added David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter.

True History of the Kelly Gang is a Stan Original Film produced by Porchlight Films and Daybreak Pictures with major production investment from Screen Australia, La Cinefacture and Film4 in association with Film Victoria, Asia Film Investment Group and Memento Films International. Memento Films International are handling worldwide sales of the film.