Written and directed by Ivan Sen, Travis, a jaded detective, arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of local Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes 20 years ago. As truths about the murder begin to unfold, the detective gains a new insight into the unsolved case. Starring: Simon Baker, Rob Collins, Natasha Wanganeen, Nicholas Hope, Mark Coe and Joshua Warrior.

Jumping into Limbo it immediately feels reminiscent of Top of the Lake or True Detective, stepping into a town with a murky history. The flow of the story is slow and thoughtful, a lot of the time more about what isn’t being said than what is. It’s a choice that won’t work for everyone, some will enjoy its complicated atmosphere but others may find that it never truly gets to grips with its murder mystery. There isn’t a great deal of development to the story, which can be a touch frustrating when paired with its deliberate pacing.

Although one element which certainly doesn’t disappoint is the visual, the choice to use that deep, rich black and white enhances the mysterious atmosphere. Especially when it’s making the most of its expansive setting, the rolling plains of its landscapes have a lot to add and are stunning to watch.

Another undeniably strong element is the performance from Simon Baker, given the rough and worn look of a man who’s very much disillusioned with the world and his profession. It’s one of the things that makes the film’s sparing progression more disappointing, it feels like this could have been an exceptional performance if he was given a bit more to get his teeth into.

Regardless, it’s engaging to watch and he provides a great connecting tissue to the slightly eccentric bunch of characters he meets along the way. Natasha Wanganeen is particularly memorable but again, given a bit more space to dig into her character, she could have been even better.

Limbo is excellently shot and has a great deal of potential and mystery but it never fully lives up to either. It sets itself up perfectly and there’s a strong atmosphere at work but it never progresses far enough to make for a satisfying story. Simon Baker is great and there’s a lot of elements to enjoy but it’s missing something to take it further.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

In theaters from March 22