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The Nightingale

The Nightingale is a 2018 Australian historical psychological thriller film written and directed by Jennifer Kent.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Nightingale is a 2018 Australian historical psychological thriller film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. Set in 1825 in Van Diemen's Land (present-day Tasmania), it follows an Irish convict seeking revenge after extreme violence against her family, with help from an Aboriginal tracker. The film is known for its depiction of colonial violence and the Black War in Tasmania.

Plot

The story follows Clare, an Irish convict in Van Diemen's Land, after a brutal act of violence by British colonial forces leaves her determined to pursue revenge. During her journey through the Tasmanian wilderness, she is accompanied by Billy, an Aboriginal tracker with his own reasons to confront colonial power.

Production

The film was written and directed by Jennifer Kent and produced as an Australian historical drama-thriller. It was shot largely in English, with some Irish and Palawa kani dialogue included. The main cast includes Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, and Baykali Ganambarr.

Release and reception

The Nightingale premiered in 2018 and received attention for its intense violence and its portrayal of the colonial history of Tasmania. It was widely discussed for its uncompromising subject matter and its depiction of the Black War.

Historical context

The film is set during a period of conflict between British colonists and Aboriginal Tasmanians. This setting is central to the film's themes and its depiction of dispossession, resistance, and survival.

Key facts

  • The Nightingale is a 2018 Australian historical psychological thriller directed by Jennifer Kent.
  • Set in 1825 Van Diemen's Land during the Black War.
  • Stars Aisling Franciosi as Clare, an Irish convict seeking revenge.
  • Features Baykali Ganambarr as Billy, an Aboriginal tracker.
  • Explores themes of colonial violence, trauma, and revenge.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Nightingale?
It is a 2018 Australian historical psychological thriller film directed and written by Jennifer Kent.
When and where is it set?
It is set in 1825 in Van Diemen's Land, the colonial-era name for present-day Tasmania.
Who stars in the film?
The main cast includes Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, and Baykali Ganambarr.
What is the film about?
It follows an Irish convict who pursues revenge after violent crimes committed against her family, with help from an Aboriginal tracker.
What themes does the film explore?
It explores colonial violence, trauma, revenge, and the Black War in Tasmania.

References

  1. Filmaffinity — https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film469967.html
    Supports: Release year, setting, and basic plot description.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nightingale_(2018_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, genre, plot, language, and historical setting.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4068576/
    Supports: Genre, setting, cast, and plot synopsis.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_nightingale_2019
    Supports: Synopsis, genre labels, and content classification.
  5. IFC Films / YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuP8g_GQIgI
    Supports: Official trailer description of the film's premise, setting, and characters.
  6. Santa Barbara International Film Festival — https://sbiff.org/the-nightingale/
    Supports: Running time, setting, director, and cast.