Seven Snipers is an Australian action thriller that is packed with emotion, suspense and electrifying action. The film creates a sense of fear and tension from the start as the audience is introduced to Kris “Voodoo Child” Hendricks, living on her isolated Queensland farm. The film has natural beauty in the Australian bushland in a very realistic way as the landscape is peaceful but the violence which erupted during the siege is extreme. The film action is unrelenting in the second half, perfectly executed sniper shoot-outs, cerebral tactical movements, increasing risk level, and a deadly cat and mouse game.
The real highlight of “Seven Snipers” is the psychological journey of trauma, loyalty, and hidden truths that lie beneath a seemingly tough exterior. Kris is a complex character, haunted by her past, protective of her daughter, and, ultimately, more deadly than her quiet life would indicate. The gathering of her top team brings back a nostalgic yet suppressed atmosphere, where every team member’s prowess and history come into play amidst the turmoil. Anja’s emotional core is heightened by her coming-of-age story, and how she uncovers shocking truths about her mother’s past and her own identity. This disclosure complements the film, ranging from a simple action movie to a story of redemption, betrayal and war wounds.
The final scene is a gory and thrilling fight that will leave you breathless. Vengeance and personal sacrifice are explored in a mercilessly honest manner as the mercenaries are one by one gunned down. The final twist to The Dragon’s motives and Kris’s back story is rather problematic and makes for a darker perspective on the cost of violence and surviving. It’s a rush of adrenaline and pure excitement, “Seven Snipers” stays with you long after the credits roll thanks to its emotional honesty and brutal portrayal of the tortured minds of all its characters. A chilling reminder that in the quietest of spaces, history can break out in violence.
