25 minutes. One mute boy. A healing touch that unlocks horror instead of peace.
Roo remains mute as he fends for survival with his sister collecting recycle bottles, working in a run down paper factory and living in a squat. A social worker arrives and tries Reiki therapy to heal what she feels is a deeper pain inside him, which begins to uncover the sinister past and events of this brother sister relationship, leading to a final twist.
Acting
Maleckas's silent performance speaks volumes through posture alone.
Direction
Martin's cramped framing makes every room feel like a trap.
Director
Ollie Martin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot on 16mm in actual Melbourne squats in 1984; several locations were demolished weeks after filming.
The title's archaic spelling ('Dummerer' = obsolete term for mute person) hints that Roo's silence is older than his trauma — perhaps even inherited.
AU
