Is Southern Cross Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime cinema, the 2015 release of Southern Cross stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into After suffering a severe head injury on the job, criminal investigator Tommy Wehrschitz is being suspended – for his own good. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "After suffering a severe head injury on the job, criminal investigator Tommy Wehrschitz is being suspended – for his own good. In order to deal with the changes in his life he decides to go to southern Burgenland, to sell property he inherited from his estranged father. Barely arrived, Tommy is invited to see the circus, which is currently in the village, but the colorful spectacle is cut short when a flying knife misses its target and kills an audience member instead."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Andreas Lust, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Crime genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Barbara Eder is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Southern Cross truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Southern Cross explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Barbara Eder respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Southern Cross is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Andreas Lust or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Southern Cross is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.