Candy

This is a love story of a young couple very much in love with each other and very much in love with heroin. It traces the impact of their addiction on their lives and relationship through three phases: heaven, earth and, finally, hell. At first I felt little sympathy with these characters. They are young, beautiful and seemingly intelligent. Why could they not pull themselves out of this spiral? But then you witness the wrenching scenes of withdrawal and realise that they are in the grips of a force far beyond their power to break. The film is set in Sydney, but it could be anywhere. Every scene is close-cropped on the characters, adding to the intensity of the performances. Abbie Cornish and Heath Ledger are both astonishing. Abbie shines and dominates the screen, but Heath’s character is more interesting, filled with conflict and ultimately responsible for the redemption and lift that comes at the end of this harrowing journey. This film will stay with you for a long time. It is resounding confirmation that the Australian film industry is alive and very well.