A film by Al Kalyk
Cruel Hands
Winner, Best Narrative Feature, Dark Matters
Austin Film Festival · 2025
Amid the worst bushfires in Australia’s history, Maria and her son Dai escape a violent and abusive husband and make their way to an abandoned farmhouse.
While keeping hidden, Maria tries to create a new home for Dai, as Jason, the police, and the fires rage toward them. In a climactic battle, the fate of Dai is fought over by two damaged and traumatised parents, with deadly consequences.
“extraordinary…one hell of a debut film”Chuck the Movieguy
“One Hell of a Stunner”High on Films
“Austere, urgent, unsettling”Hudson Sowada
Fantastic Film Fest Australia
Festivals & awards
- Austin Film FestivalWinner, Best Narrative Feature, Dark Matters
- Cleveland International Film FestivalOfficial Selection
- Beyond Fest ChicagoOfficial Selection
- Panic FestOfficial Selection
- Fantastic Fest AustraliaFantastic Film Prize Nominee
- Pucela FantásticaFundos Young Talents Award
- Octopus Film FestivalOfficial Selection
Stills
Cast & credits
Belmore Pictures presents, in association with Dark Sky Films, a film by Al Kalyk.
- Director
- Al Kalyk
- Writers
- Al & Matthew Kalyk
- Producers
- Al Kalyk & Ashley McLeod
- Director of photography
- Charlie Cole
- Production design
- Eleanora Steiner
- Music
- Alvidrez
- Editors
- Tucker Morrison & Philip Horn
- Executive producers
- Grant Hardie & Kristian Moliere
Starring
Mavournee Hazel, Diesel La Torraca, Josh McConville, Harry Greenwood, Genevieve Lemon, Iolanthe, Charlotte Friels, Max Cattana, Jack Sacks, Ana Benham, Chris Nguyen, Glenda Kalyk, Jesse Turner, Jan Mulvihil, John Mulvhil, and Georgina Symes.