The Tender Hook takes place in 1920’s among Sydney’s criminal/boxing underworld. It stars Rose Byrne as Iris and Hugo Weaving as McHeath, a couple whose relationship falls apart when Iris falls in love with Art, an earnest young boxer played by Matthew Le Nevez.
Sports movies are not typically my cup of tea but Jonathan Ogilvie’s film seems more of a relationship drama than a sports film. I’m a fan of Byrne, even when she is cast in small, supporting roles, so it’s nice to see her step up to the spotlight and Weaving is always fantastic so it’s not surprising to see him shine in the trailer. The film also appears to have a rich and elaborate pallet and design which appeals to my period loving sensibilities.
The Tender Hook played the Dungog Film Festival in May and has been picked up for distribution in the UK and Australia. At the moment, the film is not scheduled for North American release.
