The Well (1997)
A haunting Australian drama of obsession and isolation, where two women on a remote farm are bound by secrets too dark to escape.
The Well - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Well
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Samantha Lang
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 14, 1997 (France), July 31, 1997 (Australia - M)
- Production Countries: Australia
The Well - Plot
A young girl named Katherine and her older friend Hester live on an isolated farm run by Hester and her father Francis. Katherine works as a maid and wants to leave because there's too much work. Hester, however, becomes attracted to Katherine and holds her there, promising to give her less work in the future. When Francis dies, Hester decides to sell the farm for cash. They move to a small cottage on the edge of the farm and plan to go to Europe, but a tragic accident and the theft of their money changes their plans.
The Well - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the film's brooding atmosphere:
Love. Death. Deception.
Where to Watch The Well
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The Well - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Samantha Lang
Main Cast
- Pamela Rabe
- Miranda Otto
- Paul Chubb
- Frank Wilson
- Steve Jacobs
- Geneviève Lemon
- Kati Edwards
- Stephen Rae
Writers
- Laura Jones
Producers
- Sandra Levy
The Well - FAQs
What is The Well (1997) about?
The Well is an Australian psychological drama about Hester, an older woman on an isolated farm, and Katherine, a young maid she becomes obsessively attached to. After Katherine's father dies and a tragic accident occurs, the two women are drawn into a web of dark secrets, deception, and psychological tension.
Where can I watch The Well (1997)?
Streaming availability for The Well (1997) varies by region and platform. You can check current options — including rental, purchase, and subscription services available in your area — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for this title.
Is The Well based on a novel or true story?
The Well is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Australian author Elizabeth Jolley. It is a work of fiction, not based on a true story. The screenplay was adapted by Laura Jones, who also wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed Australian film The Piano.
Who are the lead actors in The Well?
The Well stars Pamela Rabe as Hester and Miranda Otto as Katherine, delivering the film's two central performances. The supporting cast includes Paul Chubb, Frank Wilson, Steve Jacobs, Geneviève Lemon, Kati Edwards, and Stephen Rae.
Who directed The Well (1997)?
The Well was directed by Samantha Lang, marking her feature film directorial debut. Lang brought a distinctive visual sensibility to the material, and the film earned significant recognition on the Australian awards circuit, winning multiple Australian Film Institute Awards.
Did The Well win any awards?
Yes. The Well performed strongly at the 1997 Australian Film Institute Awards, winning awards including Best Film, Best Direction for Samantha Lang, Best Actress for Pamela Rabe, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Laura Jones, among other nominations and wins.
How long is The Well (1997)?
The Well has a runtime of 104 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. The film's measured pace allows the psychological tension between the two central characters to build gradually, making effective use of its remote Australian landscape as a backdrop.
What is the ending of The Well explained?
The Well's ending is deliberately ambiguous. After a fatal accident and the disappearance of their money, Hester becomes convinced a mysterious figure is alive at the bottom of the well. The film leaves the nature of this presence — real or imagined — unresolved, reflecting Hester's psychological unraveling and obsessive attachment to Katherine.
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