I think this fits here due to the darkness of the story and seeing as it is written and directed by Jennifer Kent who also directed The Babadook.
The Nightingale: Set In Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) in 1825 during the Aboriginal War of Resistance to the White Settlers. This is a tale of revenge, of horror, of rape, of murder, a quest and of brutal retaliatory killings. This truly a journey to the heart of darkness bringing to mind Black 47, The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales as the chase and tale unfolds over the changing terrain. A Dark Australian Revenge Western.
Clare (Aisling Franciosi) and Aidan (Michael Sheasby) are Irish transportees, both work for brutal Lieutenant Hawkins (Sam Claflin), commander of the local garrison. Clare's ticket of leave is overdue but Hawkins refuses to sign her release. He abuses her, jealous that she has chosen Aidan rather than him. Hawkins is desperate for promotion but a visiting inspector is unimpressed by the indiscipline of the troops. When the inspector finds Hawkins brawling with Aidan he tells him he will not be recommending him for promotion to Captain. In a rage, Hawkins with two of his troops goes to Aidan and Clare's house, rapes her and kills Aidan and their baby, leaving Clare for dead. Hawkins and his cronies set off on a trek through the interior to personally appeal for promotion. Clare has survived and along with a young Aborigine tracker, Billy (Baykali Ganambarr), goes in pursuit of them.
At first this isn't a union of equals, Clare carries many of the racist attitudes of other settlers even though she is herself a prisoner. Suspecting Billy of being a cannibal and that he may turn on her. Their shared experiences travelling through the dark bush, across rivers and over mountains gradually helps them to share a bond and eventually they are inseparable. Clare sings many songs in English and Irish including that of The Nightingae but when she and Billy are around a campfire she sings Oró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile in response to Billy's song and dance of the Blackbird. Billy reveals how he also has his own reasons to hate the English.
They find Aborigines hanging from trees and farmhouses burning, sheep slaughtered,settlers killed in their homes. The land which the Aborigines cleared is being taken from them, planters are bringing in sheep to graze. Horror after horror ensues as both parties make their way through the bush. Even though Clare sings of The Nightingale when she meets up with one of the soldiers it is as if she is possessed by the Celtic of WarCrow Goddess, The Morrigan (Morrigú) , as she literally tears him to pieces. A truly savage story of misogyny, racism, colonialism and revenge. My one criticism would be of the lack of subtitles when Gaeilge and Aboriginal (sic) are spoken. Great performances by Franciosi and Ganambarr. Writer/Director Jennifer Kent has delivered an epic follow up to The Babadook. 9/10.