CERT: TBC / FORMAT: BLU-RAY / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW (AUSTRALIA)

As the Australian weather takes an unpredictable turn, a lawyer (Richard Chamberlain) is tasked with defending five Aboriginal men accused of murder. As he tries to understand their culture, he has a series of dreams involving one of the men (David Gulpilil), who is seemingly trying to tell him something. As he probes deeper, he becomes convinced the constant rain (including spates of black rain, large hail, and showers of frogs) is a sign of the coming apocalypse.

Peter Weir followed up the hit Picnic at Hanging Rock with this low key, brooding look at indigenous folklore and, way ahead of its time, climate change. Chamberlain is superb as the lawyer out of his depth but determined to get the men off their murder charge. Strange shaman and a hidden, sacred underground site add to the otherworldliness of the tale. Bolstered by some gorgeous cinematography by Russell Boyd, The Last Wave has arguably become more enjoyable and essential as years have passed. Largely and cruelly forgotten, it’s a deliberately paced, stunningly visual think piece that deserves a bigger audience.

Aussie label Umbrella Entertainment has released the HD version with a wealth of great special features. Interviews with the producer, Jim McElroy and Boyd are fascinating, but the most engaging and rewarding is a video call (filmed during the lockdown) with star Richard Chamberlain. Now in his 80s, he is still recognisably the star he was and has plenty to say about the production and working with the director and crew.

The film is ripe for rediscovery, and this release more than does it justice.