Rob (Robert Taylor), a lawyer, and his partner Pia (Nadia Farès), a talented artist, plan to spend a day together filled with relaxation, romance, and adventure. They arrive at their destination by car, and it’s soon revealed that Rob has made special arrangements: he has rented an old-fashioned timber boat and prepared a picnic basket along with a bottle of wine. The couple enjoys their time on the boat so much that they lose track of time. As a storm begins to brew nearby, they urgently need to return to the dock, however; it soon becomes clear that Rob and Pia are lost.
While out on the boat, Rob and Pia spot some land, which fortunately has a large farmhouse on it. They hope to find help and make a phone call, avoiding the nasty storm that is approaching. However, as they make their way to the house, they witness a man being beaten by a mysterious figure and upon arrival at the farmhouse, they are greeted with a total mess. Rubbish is strewn everywhere, suggesting the previous owners abruptly left in a hurry. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
When they recuperate from their trip to the house, the actual owners return. Brett (Mathew Wilkinson) and Jimmy (David Lyons), a pair of brothers, escalate the situation quickly. Now, Rob and Pia are trapped in a house with ruthless men who take pleasure in being rude, harsh, and physically violent while claiming whatever they want. Unfortunately, it’s not just Brett and Jimmy in the house—their father, whom they refer to as Poppy (John Brumpton), also lives there. Rob and Pia soon understand that if they don’t comply with the brothers’ demands and if they wake up Poppy, the consequences could be dire. Can Rob and Pia find a way to escape the nightmare they have stumbled into?
Storm Warning is an Australian horror film directed by Jamie Blanks. At this stage in his career, Blanks had already directed several notable horror films, including Urban Legend (1998), Valentine (2001), and Long Week (2008), an Australian remake of the 1978 film of the same name.
There are several positives to highlight about this film. First, I appreciated the setting and location, which I later discovered was a set built specifically for the film. It looks incredibly convincing! The inclusion of heavy rain and a wild storm enhances the film’s atmosphere and raises the tension for our leading characters, who are having a terrible evening. Fans of violence and gore will likely enjoy this film as well, particularly the later kills; there’s a mix of shocking moments that are also entertaining. In terms of performances, I found the actors portraying the villains, especially the character Poppy, played by John Brumpton, much more enjoyable. These actors are having a great time in their roles.
Unfortunately, the main characters, Rob and Pia, are pretty disappointing. Their choices and confident moments often appear silly and unwise. Their reasons for feeling lost as characters are frustrating, and their poor decisions continue throughout the film. The storyline itself is also quite predictable. However, I must admit that I enjoyed the film’s finale. Despite my lack of investment in the main characters, the violence and specific outcomes felt rewarding.
Overall, Storm Warning is an impressive Australian film that creates a captivating atmosphere. One of the film’s standout features is its primary setting: a dark, gritty, and feral farmhouse. The villains’ performances are another highlight, particularly that of Poppy, played by John Brumpton, who truly embodies his unsettling role. Fans of horror and violence will enjoy the film, particularly as it reaches its third and final act. However, the leading characters can be challenging to follow due to their baffling choices and often unlikable interactions with one another. While the storyline can sometimes feel predictable, it ultimately provides substantial enjoyment as an Australian horror film.
Storm Warning (2007) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
Published: 1st June 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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