Directed by Fred Schepisi, The Eye of the Storm is an Australian drama that brings Patrick White’s 1973 novel to life. The story centers around Elizabeth Hunter (Charlotte Rampling), a powerful and controlling matriarch who, in her final days, summons her estranged children—Basil (Geoffrey Rush) and Dorothy (Judy Davis)—to her side. As Elizabeth nears the end of her life, the long-buried tensions, unresolved grievances, and familial secrets come to the surface.

The film intricately weaves themes of power, mortality, and family dysfunction. Elizabeth remains a formidable presence, manipulating those around her even as she faces her own vulnerability. The children, once shaped by their mother’s harshness, are forced to confront their complicated relationship with her while dealing with their own emotional baggage.

The stellar performances from Rampling, Rush, and Davis bring the characters’ emotional complexity to life, capturing the delicate balance between affection, resentment, and the need for resolution. Set against the backdrop of Australia’s rural beauty, the film offers a profound meditation on the weight of family ties and the passing of time.

Premiering at the Melbourne International Film Festival, The Eye of the Storm won the Critics’ Award for Best Australian Feature. With its haunting atmosphere and rich character study, the film delves deeply into themes of control, guilt, and the inevitability of death.