Drown (2015)
An unflinching Australian drama about jealousy, homophobia, and the violence that festers beneath the surface of masculine identity.
Drown - Movie Information
- Original Title: Drown
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Dean Francis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 4, 2015 (Australia)
- Alternative Titles: Drown (DE), Тонуть (RU)
- Production Companies: JJ Splice Films
- Production Countries: Australia
Drown - Plot
Len is a Surf Lifesaving champion, a legend in the cloistered surf club just like his father. When the younger, faster, and fitter Phil arrives at the club, Len's legendary status starts to crumble. Then Len sees Phil arriving in the company of another man. Phil is gay.
Drown - Trailer
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Get ready for a night out with the boys.
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Drown - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dean Francis
Main Cast
- Matt Levett
- Jack Matthews
- Harry Cook
- Sam Anderson
- JayR Tinaco
- Maya Stange
- Lucy Green
- Jeremy Burtenshaw
- Jessina Oakes
- Meg McDermott
Writers
- Dean Francis
- Stephen Davis
Producers
- Stephen Davis
- Dean Francis
Drown - FAQs
What is Drown about?
Drown follows Len, a celebrated Surf Lifesaving champion whose identity and status are threatened when a younger, more capable rival named Phil joins the club. When Len discovers Phil is gay, his insecurities spiral into jealousy, homophobia, and violence, exposing the toxic masculinity lurking beneath the surf club's macho culture.
Is Drown based on a true story or a play?
Drown is based on a stage play of the same name written by Stephen Davis. Director Dean Francis adapted the work for the screen, co-writing the screenplay with Davis. The film is not based on a specific real-life event but draws on recognizable themes of homophobia and toxic masculinity in Australian surf culture.
Who are the main actors in Drown?
Drown stars Matt Levett as Len, the insecure surf champion, and Jack Matthews as Phil, the younger rival whose sexuality becomes a flashpoint. The supporting cast includes Harry Cook, Sam Anderson, JayR Tinaco, Maya Stange, Lucy Green, Jeremy Burtenshaw, Jessina Oakes, and Meg McDermott.
Does Drown explore homophobia and repressed sexuality?
Yes. A central theme of Drown is Len's violent reaction to Phil's homosexuality, which critics and viewers widely interpret as rooted in Len's own repressed desires and deep-seated insecurity. The film examines how machismo, sexual repression, and fear of vulnerability can curdle into bullying and assault.
When was Drown released?
Drown had its Australian release on March 4, 2015, followed by a US release on August 28, 2015. The film was directed by Dean Francis and produced by JJ Splice Films, representing a significant entry in Australian LGBTQ+ cinema of the mid-2010s.
Where can I watch Drown online?
Drown is available to stream on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV at no cost with ads, and through the Strand Releasing Amazon Channel via subscription. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who directed and wrote Drown?
Drown was directed by Dean Francis, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Stephen Davis, the author of the original stage play. Francis additionally served as a producer and editor on the film, making it a deeply personal project shaped by a close creative partnership between the two collaborators.
How long is the film Drown?
Drown has a runtime of 93 minutes, or 1 hour and 33 minutes. The film is an Australian drama directed by Dean Francis, adapted from Stephen Davis's stage play, and focuses on themes of jealousy, homophobia, and toxic masculinity within a competitive surf lifesaving community.
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