Smiling into the camera as she’s being interviewed, Katrina (Emily Barclay) brushes off the interviewer’s questions, stating she is unafraid of being suspected of her father’s murders. Stating that it feels strange to have recently been interviewed by a magazine and on television, Katrina suggests that it is clear the public is eager to hear her side of the story, as she smiles.
Viewers are then taken back in time to before her father’s horrible death occurred. Katrina is living with her father, John (Robert Morgan), and her brother, Danny (Laurence Breuls), in Golden Grove, Sydney. As a 19-year-old mum, Katrina prioritises her own desires and neglects her baby in the process. The community and law enforcement are familiar with Katrina and her family, as she has never held a job and frequently engages in activities such as petty crimes, including theft. She also spends her time often getting her hair and nails done or having casual flings with multiple men. Despite the police being familiar with her antics, their options for intervention are limited, allowing Katrina to continue her life of minor crimes and self-centred loud behaviour.
However, everything changes when Danny robs a local store and fatally attacks a staff member with a samurai sword, turning Katrina’s world upside down. This incident also marks the beginning of Katrina’s unexpected journey to fame, as her family’s actions make headlines. Determined to save Danny at any cost, Katrina devises a plan to manipulate those around her to achieve her desires regardless of the price. Complicating matters further, Katrina discovers that her father has been in contact with child services and is attempting to gain custody of her baby due to her ongoing neglectful behaviour. This revelation prompts Katrina to escalate her schemes, resulting in shocking and unexpected consequences.
Suburban Mayhem is a surprising blend of drama and thriller. The film was directed by Paul Goldman, whose previous works include Australian Rules (2002), Kid Snow (2024), The Night We Called It Day (2003), and the documentary Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story (2023). Alice Bell wrote the screenplay for this film, and according to IMDb, it is loosely based on the murders by siblings Mark Valera and Belinda van Krevel. Suburban Mayhem can be a complicated watch because following such a selfish and harsh character is often heartbreaking. The film features multiple dramatic moments, particularly during Katrina’s interactions with others and while watching her as a mother. It opens with a thrilling element, as the mystery surrounding her father’s murder and the circumstances of his death create an intense beginning. Additionally, depending on your sense of humour, the film introduces a touch of dark comedy that may resonate differently with audiences—you might find yourself laughing or feeling shocked.
In terms of performance, I truly admired Emily Barclay’s work in this film. She effectively brought to life a character who is both horrible and mean in every way possible. There is nothing likable about Katrina, and she lacks any redeemable qualities. I also enjoyed the mystery that unfolded throughout the film, as well as the lead-up to a tragic finale filled with surprises. The central question remains: did Katrina murder her father, or was it someone else? I couldn’t help but be curious about how this story would develop within Katrina’s world and the people she interacts with. Would she find a better path, or would she continue down a seemingly inhumane road?
Overall, this film may be difficult to watch due to its tragic storyline and the portrayal of Katrina, a profoundly selfish and harsh character. However, Emily Barclay’s performance stands out as convincing and impressive. If you find yourself disliking the character, it’s a testament to the actress’s skill on-screen. The film also presents a compelling mystery surrounding a tragedy that kept my interest piqued. The dialogue is a mix of sharpness and intensity, adding a layer of realism that I appreciated throughout most of the film. Additionally, the finale features numerous unpredictable twists and shocking reveals. While you might not choose to watch this film multiple times in your lifetime, it remains a worthwhile experience even if you only see it once.
Suburban Mayhem (2006) is available on Blu-ray, thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
7.6/10
Published: 3rd April 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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