Editorial Staff
Actor Eric Bana (”Munich”, ”Romulus, My Father”, ”Chopper”) has been cast as the lead role of “Aaron Falk” in the feature film adaptation of Jane Harper’s bestselling and award-winning novel ”The Dry”, producers Made Up Stories announced today.
Robert Connolly (”Balibo”, ”Paper Planes”, ”Deep State”) is set to direct from a script written by Connolly and Harry Cripps (”Paws”, ”Willfull”), based on Harper’s internationally acclaimed multi-award-winning novel published in 37 territories. The Dry will shoot from February 25 – April 12 in Victoria, Australia.
After an absence of twenty years, Aaron Falk (Bana) returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life. A victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after more than a decade of drought.
Aaron reluctantly agrees to investigate the crime to see whether it was more than just a murder-suicide. When the investigation opens an old wound— the death of Ellie Deacon, Aaron and Luke’s childhood friend—Aaron begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by two decades, are connected. But as he struggles to prove not only Luke’s innocence but his own, he finds himself pitted against the prejudice and pent up rage of a terrified community.
“I am incredibly excited to be part of the team bringing this thrilling and evocative novel to life,” said Bana. “I love the journey of Falk, and can’t wait to bring him to life, along with my dear friend Rob Connolly.”
“Jane Harper’s The Dry is a powerful contemporary story with big mythic themes driven by a thrilling crime story,” added Connolly. “I am delighted to be collaborating with Eric again, along with working with Bruna and the team at Made Up Stories on this adaptation for the screen of such an incredibly cinematic and emotionally charged work.”
The film has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria. It will be distributed by Roadshow Films in Australia and New Zealand.
