Nitram (2021) is a confronting psychological drama directed by Justin Kurzel, inspired by real events surrounding the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Australia. The film deliberately avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on the slow, uncomfortable psychological unraveling of its central character. This is not an easy watch, but it is a powerful one.
Detailed Summary
A Troubled Young Man in Suburban Australia
The film centers on Nitram (Caleb Landry Jones), an isolated, socially awkward young man living with his emotionally distant mother. From the start, the film emphasizes alienation, emotional repression, and a lack of social connection. Nitram struggles to communicate, control his anger, or find a place in society.
An Unlikely Friendship
Nitram forms a relationship with Helen (Essie Davis), a wealthy and eccentric woman who lives alone. Helen offers him companionship, purpose, and validation—things he has been missing his entire life. This relationship becomes the emotional core of the film, temporarily stabilizing Nitram and giving the audience a glimpse of what might have been possible had he received proper support.
Growing Obsession and Warning Signs
As time passes, Nitram’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He develops an obsession with firearms and repeatedly attempts to purchase weapons. His social failures, emotional volatility, and fixation on violence raise multiple red flags. Importantly, the film shows how institutions, family, and society repeatedly fail to intervene in meaningful ways.
Loss and Emotional Collapse
A devastating turning point occurs when Nitram experiences a sudden, traumatic loss. This event removes the last emotional anchor in his life. From this point forward, the film becomes darker and more restrained, emphasizing silence, isolation, and internal rage rather than overt action.
Movie Ending
The final section of Nitram is intentionally restrained and chilling. The film does not depict the Port Arthur massacre directly. Instead, it focuses on the moments leading up to it.
Nitram successfully acquires high-powered firearms despite his obvious instability. We watch him prepare methodically, emotionally detached, and disturbingly calm. His mother, increasingly aware that something is wrong, confronts him—but it is too late. The systems meant to protect society have already failed.
The final scenes show Nitram driving toward Port Arthur. The film ends just before the massacre begins. This choice forces the audience to sit with the inevitability of what is about to happen, making the ending more disturbing than a graphic depiction ever could be. The silence, restraint, and unresolved tension underline the film’s message: this tragedy was preventable.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Nitram does not include any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. The film ends definitively and somberly, allowing no narrative relief or continuation.
Type of Movie
Nitram is a psychological drama and character study that leans heavily into realism. It is deliberately slow-paced and observational, focusing on mental instability, societal neglect, and moral responsibility rather than plot-driven suspense.
Cast
- Caleb Landry Jones as Nitram
- Judy Davis as Nitram’s mother
- Essie Davis as Helen
- Anthony LaPaglia as Nitram’s father
Caleb Landry Jones delivers a deeply unsettling performance that earned widespread critical acclaim.
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Jed Kurzel, a frequent collaborator of director Justin Kurzel. The music is minimal, atmospheric, and often absent, reinforcing the film’s oppressive silence and emotional discomfort rather than guiding the audience emotionally.
Filming Locations and Their Importance
Nitram was filmed entirely in Australia, primarily in suburban areas of Victoria.
These ordinary, quiet locations are crucial to the film’s impact. By placing the story in familiar, everyday environments, the film emphasizes that extreme violence can emerge from disturbingly normal settings, not distant or exotic ones.
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Film Festival 2021 – Best Actor (Caleb Landry Jones) – Winner
- AACTA Awards – Multiple nominations including Best Film and Best Direction
- Widely featured on critics’ “Best of 2021” lists
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Justin Kurzel intentionally avoided showing the massacre to prevent glorification.
- The filmmakers worked closely with victims’ families to ensure sensitivity.
- Caleb Landry Jones stayed isolated during filming to maintain the character’s mental state.
- The character’s name “Nitram” is “Martin” spelled backward, symbolizing psychological inversion.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by real events surrounding Martin Bryant, though the film avoids using his real name.
- Influenced by minimalist European cinema and films like Elephant (2003).
- Draws thematic inspiration from studies on gun violence and social alienation.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No alternate endings have been publicly released. However, interviews confirm that earlier drafts included more explicit references to the massacre, which were removed to keep the focus on prevention rather than spectacle.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Nitram is not based on a book. It is an original screenplay inspired by real events, intentionally fictionalized to avoid true-crime exploitation.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Nitram repeatedly attempting to buy firearms and being denied.
- Quiet domestic scenes between Nitram and his mother, filled with unspoken tension.
- The final drive toward Port Arthur, nearly silent and emotionally suffocating.
Iconic Quotes
- Helen: “You don’t need to be normal to be loved.”
- Nitram’s mother: “I tried.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- News broadcasts subtly reference gun law debates without direct commentary.
- Mirrors and reflections frequently appear during Nitram’s emotional breakdowns.
- The film avoids naming locations explicitly to maintain emotional universality.
Trivia
- Caleb Landry Jones gained and lost weight to physically embody the character.
- The film sparked renewed public discussion in Australia about gun laws.
- Director Justin Kurzel initially hesitated to make the film due to its sensitivity.
Why Watch?
You should watch Nitram if you are interested in serious, challenging cinema that explores how tragedies are formed rather than how they unfold. It is uncomfortable, restrained, and emotionally heavy—but also deeply important.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- Snowtown (2011)
- Macbeth (2015)
- Assassin’s Creed (2016)
- True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)
