The Square (2010) R

This is a sensational Australian film. It's directed by Nash Edgerton, who's best known for his stunt work and short films. It's written by his brother Joel Edgerton, who also stars in the film. It's a story about regular people who go to extreme lengths to get what they want, and to get the truth. David Roberts (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions) plays Ray Yale. He's a married man whose life has become boring and dull. He starts a secret love affair with Carla Smith (Claire van der Boom); she's also married. The two make plans of running away together, when the moment is right. Carla discovers a bag of money inside her house that her husband Greg (Anthony Hayes) brought home. She wants to take the money and run away with Ray. Ray is skeptical because he knows it won't take long before Greg discovers the money is missing.

So on Christmas Eve, Carla takes the money and Ray hires Billy (Joel Edgerton) to burn the house down. The house is supposed to be empty for a few hours. Greg will never know the money was stolen. What they didn't plan on was Greg's mother stopping by to feed the dog. Realizing this, Ray tries to call the whole thing off, but is unsuccessful. She falls asleep inside the house and the place goes up in flames. All three become murderers. Billy is absolutely irate over the situation. Inside the burnt house, Greg finds the money bag intact but empty. He believes one of his accomplices stole it.

Despite the hiccup, Ray and Carla still wish to runaway. But Ray begins to get letters in the mail claiming that they know about everything. Ray suspects one of his co-workers of sending the letters. and goes to his house to try and find a clue. The man finds Ray spying and chases him all the way to the construction site they both work at. After an argument Ray accidentally kills the man. He buries his body in a large square. However, the letters continue to come in the mail. Greg begins to suspect Carla stole the money. Billy wants the money that Ray owes him and will do anything to get it. The police and fellow co-workers begin to see a change in Ray. Who's sending the letters? Did Greg know about the affair? Are the police involved? Is Carla who she seems?

There are a lot of questions along the way. You just aren't sure how it's all going to end. There are three or four plot twists that will have your jaw on the floor. The ending is gripping and suspenseful. It's amazing what seemingly normal people will do for love and money. They go to extreme lengths to get what they want. As soon as one person dies, the floodgates are opened. There are fantastic performances from everyone here. Don't let the Australian accents keep you away. I can't wait to see what the Edgerton brothers come up with next. See this film!
B