The Trespassers (1976)
An intimate Australian drama about love, betrayal, and the unlikely friendship that forms between two women caught in the same man's deception.
The Trespassers - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Trespassers
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: John Duigan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 18, 1976 (Australia)
- Production Countries: Australia
The Trespassers - Plot
In 1970, political journalist Richard lives with Penny but is having an affair with actress Dee. The two woman meet and become friends.
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The Trespassers - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Duigan
Main Cast
- Judy Morris
- Briony Behets
- John Derum
- Hugh Keays-Byrne
- Peter Carmody
- Camilla Nicoll
- Diana Greentree
- Max Gillies
- Chris Haywood
Writers
- John Duigan
The Trespassers - FAQs
What is The Trespassers about?
The Trespassers follows Richard, a political journalist in 1970 Australia, who is living with his partner Penny while secretly having an affair with actress Dee. When the two women unexpectedly meet and form a genuine friendship, the film quietly examines loyalty, desire, and the emotional complexity of modern relationships.
Does The Trespassers have a happy ending?
The Trespassers resists easy resolutions. Rather than delivering a tidy conclusion, John Duigan lets the emotional tensions between the three central characters linger, leaving viewers to reflect on the ambiguous nature of love, betrayal, and the bonds that form in unexpected circumstances.
Where can you watch The Trespassers online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Trespassers on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region, including rental and purchase options.
Why do Penny and Dee become friends in the film?
One of the film's most intriguing turns is that Penny and Dee — Richard's partner and his lover — find common ground once they meet. Rather than rivalry, their connection suggests that the women share more with each other than either does with Richard, quietly shifting the film's emotional centre.
Who are the main actors in The Trespassers?
The cast features Judy Morris as Dee, Briony Behets as Penny, and John Derum as Richard at the heart of the story. They're joined by Hugh Keays-Byrne, Peter Carmody, Camilla Nicoll, Diana Greentree, Max Gillies, and Chris Haywood in supporting roles.
Who directed The Trespassers?
The Trespassers was directed by John Duigan, who also wrote the screenplay. Duigan went on to become one of Australia's most respected filmmakers, later known for films such as Flirting and Romero, establishing a career marked by intimate, character-driven storytelling.
Is The Trespassers an early Australian New Wave film?
Yes, The Trespassers sits comfortably within the Australian New Wave of the 1970s — a period of remarkable creative energy in Australian cinema. Released in 1976, it shares the movement's interest in social realism, contemporary relationships, and distinctly Australian cultural identity.
What are some movies similar to The Trespassers?
If The Trespassers resonates with you, consider exploring Landline (2017), which also examines infidelity with emotional honesty, or Hungry Hearts (2015) for its intense relationship drama. XX/XY (2002) and Almost Friends (2017) are further picks for fans of character-driven romantic stories.
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