Smoke Between Trees

Synopsis

"Smoke Between Trees" is a 2019 Australian drama directed by Benjamin Gilmour and featuring Tiriel Mora. The film is set against the backdrop of Australia’s rural landscape and delves into the socio-political tensions between refugees and the local community. The story follows a local man who becomes entangled in the lives of newly arrived refugees after a distressing incident, provoking a raw and intimate exploration of trust, fear, and reconciliation. Told with sensitivity and authenticity, the movie highlights human connections in the midst of cultural and political conflict, shedding light on Australia's complex immigration debates while emphasizing empathy and understanding across divides.

Cast

• 

  Tiriel Mora

  Mathew

• Elly Chatfield

  Francine

• 

  Joanne Samuel

  Therese

• 

  Georgia Adamson

  Sarah

• Robert-Joseph Slockee

  Ari

• 

  Damion Hunter

  Jayden

Reviews

"Smoke Between Trees" received a mix of critical responses with generally positive undertones. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.5/10 based on audience reviews, indicating moderate appreciation. Critics praised the film for its sincerity and earnest storytelling. For instance, The Guardian highlighted the film’s "unflinching portrayal of modern-day Australia and its fraught attitudes toward refugees," complimenting director Benjamin Gilmour's ability to humanize a politically charged topic. However, some reviewers noted pacing issues and felt that the narrative occasionally bordered on didacticism. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated critic score, but audience feedback tends to value the film's heartfelt performances, particularly Tiriel Mora’s nuanced role portraying the complexities of community and prejudice. Metacritic does not list a score for this title, reflecting its smaller independent release status. Overall, the film is regarded as a thought-provoking drama that sparks important conversations but may challenge viewers looking for mainstream entertainment.