Group Film Review: Nursery Rhyme

Directed By Tom Noakes
Produced By Studio Goono & Scoundrel Films
Made In Australia

Nursery Rhymes is a short film that quietly unfolds into something powerful. Though the title may suggest something light and innocent, the film explores the darker sides of childhood memories, emotional pain, and the silence that follows trauma. As a group, we found ourselves feeling uneasy, curious, and deeply moved as the story progressed.

From the start, the film creates tension using stillness and sound. The setting is quiet, almost too quiet, which makes every small movement feel meaningful. The lead character appears to be alone on a farm, singing nursery rhymes softly. At first, this seems strange, but as the film continues, it becomes clear that the songs are not for comfort—they are echoes of something lost or broken inside him.

The story doesn’t follow a usual plot structure with big twists. Instead, it gently peels back layers of the character’s emotions. The main theme is about how childhood trauma can remain hidden for years, shaping how a person feels and lives. Innocent songs are used in a haunting way to show how memories—even simple ones—can carry pain.

The performance by the lead actor is one of the film’s strongest parts. Without much dialogue, he expresses deep emotion through his eyes, voice, and body language. The tattoos and rough appearance contrast with the gentle singing, creating a sense of conflict within the character. His silence says as much as his words.

Visually, the film uses space and framing to show how isolated the character feels. Long shots make him look small and alone, while close-ups capture his sadness. The colour tone is soft and cold, helping to create a mood that feels empty but full of meaning.

The sound is both simple and powerful. The slow singing of nursery rhymes, with no background music or effects, creates a chilling effect. It adds to the emotional weight, making the viewer feel like they are hearing someone’s pain in a raw, unfiltered way.

In the end, Nursery Rhymes is not a film that entertains—it’s a film that reveals. It shows how people carry unspoken pain and how the smallest things, like a song, can open the door to deep emotions. We would recommend it to anyone interested in emotional, symbolic films. It stays with you, long after it ends.

Use the link below to watch the full film:

https://youtu.be/wLS_JmpL_70?si=3ATZc_kzbrWtcHPZ

#VisualStorytelling #IVS2025 #UniMACIFT