The Dinner Party (DVD)

Inspired by true events, this impressive debut from Australian filmmaker Scott Murden has already racked up something of a following back on its home soil. Shortlisted for Best Debut Feature last year at Raindance and securing a place in the official section at the Australian Film Festival, this unadorned thriller packs plenty of promise.

The film centres on Angela King (Cox) an increasingly unstable and dangerously jealous young woman who decides she’s done with the mortal coil. Opting to bow out in style, she gathers a small group of friends and acquaintances for a farewell dinner party. As her oblivious guests chow down on takeout and guzzle wine; Angela waits patiently for her last course; a lethal cocktail of hard drugs. 

But Angela doesn’t intend to die alone, and has earmarked one of her dinner guests to accompany into her the next life. The question is; will any of them realise their potential fate before it’s too late?

At first glance, The Dinner Party seems rather unremarkable; with its straightforward premise, simple title and cast of pretty young things. The DVD’s misleading artwork, which seems to plant this film in comedy horror territory, doesn’t help things either. In actual fact, The Dinner Party is an ambitious attempt to pack some weighty drama and complex characters into an entertaining enough thriller. And, for the most part; it succeeds.

Writer-director Scott Murden has made a real effort to root his first feature in a believable enough world. His characters show shades of archetypes, but never drift toward the extreme. Likewise, while the scenario might seem like a lazy tactic to bring Angela’s potential victims together; it’s not as instrumental as you might think, and there’s plenty of surprising meanders in the story that keep this thriller feeling fresh.

Murden’s script is for the most part solid, although some of the dialogue lets him down. He does a decent job of establishing his characters, but occasionally, crucial moments in the script are compromised by stilted and clumsy exchanges. However, an impressive cast make up for most of these shortcomings, and the more populated scenes are particularly fluid and engaging.

Murden has to be commended for his direction though. He approaches things in an understated manner, heightening the intimate and sometimes claustrophobic nature of the titular gathering. This tactic serves the film well overall, and is particularly successful in heightening the tension during the more crucial parts of the movie. The director certainly establishes himself as one to watch with his work behind the camera here.

But it’ll be the performances that’ll really grab you, particularly Lara Cox in the central role. She’s mesmerising throughout as the increasingly unhinged Angela, but proves exceptional in some of the later scenes in the film and just like her director, is a talent to keep an eye on in the future. 

Overall Verdict: A solid debut from an impressive filmmaker; The Dinner Party won’t do much for those in it purely for guts and gore, but will satisfy the appetites of those looking for something more substantial to sink their teeth into.

Special Features:
Commentary
Trailer

Reviewer: David Steele