Picnic at Hanging Rock was the film that put director Peter Weir on the map, and it is an engrossing and haunting experience that successfully melds period drama (brought to life with impeccable costume and production design) and outback mystery.

Adapted from the classic Australian novel by Joan Lindsay, Picnic at Hanging Rock is a disturbing mystery, based on the supposedly true disappearance of three students and one teacher from a prestigious all girl college, who vanished into thin air whilst on a field trip at Hanging Rock, Victoria on Valentines Day, 1900.

The films tranquil and mysterious scenery brings forth an ambience that is quite startling, and Weir’s strong ability in establishing mood creates a sense of dread that is palpable. This is heightened by Russell Boyd’s illuminating photography, and the successful collaboration of Bruce Smeaton’s gothic compositions and Gheorghe Zamfir’s pan flute melodies that has created a striking score.

Due to its abundance of young talent the acting on hand can be raw, but is good overall. Special mention should be given to English actress Rachel Roberts for her powerful portrayal of Mrs. Appleyard, the girls’ headmistress who is forced to close down due to bad publicity, and succumbs to alcoholism to combat her self-imposed guilt.

The films real strength is its story, especially the paranormal connotations attached to it. The fact that there is no clear resolution only strengthens its chilling demeanor, since the power of the imagination is a much more effective tool than any clear-cut conclusion.

There have been several theories as to what happened to these characters, the latest and most popular that of alien abduction. However, an ending was published in 1987 as The Secret of Hanging Rock, and let us say thank God it was not a part of the movie.

An extremely creepy film and one of Australia’s finest. Highly recommended.