The Last Wave (1977) movie poster

The Last Wave

1977 ·1h 46m · ★ 6.7 (211)

A Sydney lawyer defends five Aboriginal people in a ritualised taboo murder and in the process learns disturbing truths about himself and premonitions.

Why it matters

An unsettling fusion of legal thriller and mystic apocalypse that probes Australia’s colonial shadows through a supernatural lens.

  • Peter Weir’s early work blends eerie atmosphere with Indigenous mythology, crafting a uniquely Australian horror experience.
  • David Gulpilil’s presence grounds the film in authentic cultural resonance, elevating its spiritual weight beyond typical genre fare.
  • The creeping dread builds from courtroom drama into cosmic unease, tapping into body horror and psychological disintegration.
  • Perfect for fans who crave horror that doubles as cultural excavation and metaphysical puzzle, not just jump scares.
3 horror films in catalog

Horror DNA

Gore
0
Slow Burn
100
Psychological
71
Supernatural
80
Creature
18
Disturbing
17
Fun Factor
0
Cerebral
99
Survival
0
Paranoia

Phobia triggers

Religious Imagery

TMDB Keywords

aborigineancient prophecyapocalyptic visionaustraliabeachcourtdreamslawyermanslaughternightmareoccultismpremonitionrainrainstormshamansignstormsurrealismsydney, australiatribal ritualvoodoo

Pairs Well With