Eric Bana Stars in Thriller Sequel'Force of Nature: The Dry 2'

Eric Bana returns as Detective Aaron Falk in the gripping thriller 'Force of Nature: The Dry 2,' a sequel to the 2020 Australian mystery hit 'The Dry.' Based on Jane Harper's novel, the film follows Falk as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a whistleblower during a corporate retreat in a remote rainforest. The story weaves together Falk's present-day investigation, flashbacks to the ill-fated retreat, and memories from his own troubled childhood in the area.

Directed by Robert Connolly, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Harper, 'Force of Nature' boasts a strong ensemble cast including Anna Torv, Deborra-Lee Furness, Robin McLeavy, Sisi Stringer, Lucy Ansell, and Jacqueline McKenzie. Bana'sportrayal of Falkis once again a standout, with the actor"embodying compassion and decency,"Torv also shines as the acerbic and unpleasant Alice, the missing whistleblower whose disappearance sets the plot in motion.

As Falk delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and lies that lead him to suspect someone from the company may be involved in Alice's disappearance. The film jumps back and forth in time, revealing pieces of information that render previous discoveries in a new light. While the non-linear structure can feel rushed and awkward at times, it "holds our attention well enough as we try to guess what's happened and why."

Visually, 'Force of Nature' is a stunning showcase of the Victorian wilderness, with breathtaking footage of the mountainous forest setting. The drearily suffocating atmosphere adds to the sense of grim reality that pervades the story. However, some critics feel the film lacks the emotional impact of its predecessor, with Falk's personal history in the area feeling somewhat tacked on and the darkness of the prior events not fully reckoned with.

Despite its flaws, 'Force of Nature: The Dry 2' remains a solid, well-crafted thriller that will keep audiences guessing until the end. The strong performances and stunning visuals make up for the somewhat convoluted plot, delivering a satisfying, if not entirely cohesive, viewing experience. As one critic notes, "FORCE OF NATURE: THE DRY 2 is a great-looking movie that feels more satisfactory when viewed as a really well-made, well-cast supersized TV episode than as a standalone or sequel drama."