Where was Swerve filmed?
2011
City Locations
Adelaide, Keswick (Australia)
Location Types
Riverside, Film Studio
Location Styles
Camper, Retreat, Mountain Huts, Colonial, Rustic
About Swerve
Swerve is a stunning 2011 Australian thriller film by Craig Lahiff. The movie is an appealing blend of mystery and suspense, with exceptional performances from a fantastic cast that includes Emma Booth, Jason Clarke, and David Lyons.
Set in rural Australia, the story follows Colin (David Lyons), an innocent man who finds a bag full of cash after a vehicle accident and becomes entangled in a complex web of lies, temptation, and greed.
Swerve's twisty plot leads viewers into a web of deceit and betrayal. This nail-biting adventure full of surprising twists and turns has viewers on the edge of their seats right up until the very end, all because of the interactions between Colin, Frank (Jason Clarke), the local cop, and Frank's wife Jina (Emma Booth).
Swerve, which had its Australian premiere at 2011's Melbourne International Film Festival, is a superbly made noir-flavored thriller set in a desolate Outback town. The cast's performances were praised by critics, even though the film's premise was complicated. Actors Lyons, Clarke, and Booth were commended for bringing their parts to life on stage.
Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, states that 36 out of 28 questioned critics gave the picture a positive review, which speaks much about the captivating storyline and acting. The film's distinctive Outback setting, outstanding acting, and thrilling plot have earned high praise from critics at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Swerve Locations
Swerve is a gorgeously produced film that transports viewers to South Australia's spectacular natural splendor. Craig Lahiff's film captures the spirit of the outback by focusing on the natural splendor of Australia's Flinders Ranges.
Lahiff and his crew spent seven weeks researching the region south of Adelaide, hoping to capture its essence through its historical geological features and breathtaking peaks. The Flinders Ranges, with their vast vistas and rugged topography, add atmospheric depth to the story and function as an independent character.
The picturesque community of Two Wells, located 24.8 miles north of Adelaide, supported the film's central plot and showcased rural Australia against the spectacular Flinders Ranges.
The production used a range of locations to improve its visual storytelling, including Long Plains and the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, which was brilliantly transformed into the movie's train station. These locations contributed to the unusual and entertaining opening sequence. The South Australian Film Corporation's studio facilities at Hendon, Adelaide, were essential to the production. Scenes against the stunning Adelaide Hills Mount Lofty Ranges enhanced the appeal of the panoramic view.
Those drawn to the charm of stunning film settings and the excitement of adventurous experiences will never forget their visit to these South Australian places used by the Swerve crew. Viewers are invited to visit a plethora of visually magnificent and historically significant sites, from the breathtaking Flinders Ranges to the pleasant streets of Two Wells and everywhere else depicted in the video.
The opening scene in Swerve
Long Plains, South Australia, Australia
Two men involved in a covert dr*g exchange have a nervous and silent encounter in the riveting opening scene, which takes place against the harsh background of rural Australia. The story takes a sharp, dramatic turn just as the buyer is about to open the bag, expecting to find dr*gs. An explosive device is hidden in the briefcase, and it goes off before the buyer can react to the betrayal, killing him instantly.
The crucial sequence was shot on Long Plains, South Australia, a setting that perfectly captures the traditional rural Australian scenery. With its vast fields and air alternating between calm and menace, Long Plains is an excellent setting for this high-stakes trade. Long Plains, located in the Adelaide Plains to the north, was officially recognized as a locality in 1997. Landmarks like Memorial Hall and the Long Plains Church of Christ contribute to the town's reputation as an agricultural hub and a close-knit community.
Driving north on the A1 highway from Adelaide will bring you to Two Wells, where you can leave and follow the signs to Long Plains. Those in Adelaide can easily make the day excursion since the journey takes only an hour. Visitors to Long Plains may engage in the local surroundings even though the exact spot where the film was shot is not revealed.
The car crash scene in Swerve
Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia
With a suitcase filled with cash in his vehicle, the seller accelerates along the highway towards Neverest to rendezvous with a contact. In a hazardous move to bypass another car, he veers off the road to dodge an imminent crash and meets his demise.
This gripping sequence was filmed amidst the raw and rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges, a location that director Craig Lahiff chose for its dramatic landscapes and the sense of isolation it conveys.
The Flinders Ranges, located about five hours' drive from Adelaide, offer a stunning backdrop that is quintessentially Australian and universally haunting. The region's weathered peaks, rocky gorges, and expansive vistas provide a canvas that enhances the film's atmospheric tension and underscores the narrative's themes of desperation and fate.
Travelers can reach the Flinders Ranges by driving from Adelaide, heading north along the Main North Road (A1) before continuing onto R M Williams Way/B80. This route leads directly into the heart of the ranges, where visitors can experience the majesty of this ancient landscape firsthand. Unfortunately, there is no public bus available for transportation.
The garage scene in Swerve
Two Wells, South Australia, Australia
Frank (Jason Clarke) arrives at the garage where Jina (Emma Booth) is employed. The atmosphere thickens with unease as Sam (Vince Colosimo), Jina's boss, hints at her supposed infidelities with another police officer, Chris Welles (Luke Jericho), whose fate is mysterious. The insinuation and Sam's subsequent demand that Jina clean the garage sparks her anger, leading her to storm out of the scene. Left in a lurch with the mechanic absent, Colin (David Lyons) decides to take matters into his own hands and repair his car solo.
This scene was brought to life in the small town of Two Wells, located roughly 40km north of Adelaide, South Australia. Two Wells serves as the backdrop for much of Swerve; its rural charm and community spirit starkly contrast the dark undercurrents of the film's plot. While the exact location within Two Wells used for this garage scene isn't specified, the essence of the town's ambiance permeates through the film.
Visitors intrigued by the cinematic journey can explore Two Wells, immersing in the town's transformation into a vibrant community village. The Two Wells Town Centre is evolving, featuring a mix of retail, healthcare, commercial, and community amenities alongside beautifully landscaped and high-quality open spaces.
To explore Two Wells and follow in the characters' footsteps, from Adelaide, take the M2 and continue onto the National Highway A1 heading north. The journey is expected to last around 40 minutes by car. Regrettably, there are no public transportation options available for this route.
The train scenes in Swerve
Adelaide Parklands Terminal, Adelaide Parkland Terminal, Richmond Rd, Keswick, Australia
Colin (David Lyons) and Jina (Emma Booth), having returned, are faced with a chilling confession from Frank (Jason Clarke), who admits to the murder of Welles (Luke Jericho). Frank demands that they leap from the train in a desperate bid for control, a command that quickly spirals into chaos. In a swift motion, Colin disarms Frank, knocking the gun from his grasp. The struggle culminates in Jina seizing the moment to shoot Frank, leading to his fatal fall from the train.
Scenes shot at Adelaide Parklands Terminal and the adjacent area depict tense train stations. The Adelaide Parklands Terminal, known initially as the Keswick Terminal, is a central interstate railway station in Adelaide, South Australia.
Since its opening on 18 May 1984, it has served as a significant travel hub. It is famous for being the only station in the world that allows passengers to begin travel on both east-west and north-south transcontinental routes.
Adelaide Parklands Terminal is accessible and continues to operate. Located 1.8 miles from the city center, the terminal is accessible via Richmond Road or Sir Donald Bradman Drive. Visitors can opt for taxis or shuttle buses for convenient transport to the city, immersing themselves in the real-world setting of this thrilling narrative while exploring the broader Adelaide area.
Conclusion
Swerve is an ambitious attempt to present a complex narrative against the harsh, brutal backdrop of the Australian desert. The film aspires to be a captivating thriller, combining features standard to the genre: a threatening adversary, strained relationships, a traveling protagonist, and a plot driven by greed and chance encounters.
The quality of Swerve is greatly enhanced by the variety of sites utilized for filming. Excellent use of location is displayed throughout the film, from the opening sequence on Long Plains to the scenes shot in the South Australian Film Corporation's studios and the disguised Adelaide Parklands Terminal. The broad expanses and breathtaking natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges provide an exceptionally breathtaking backdrop that enhances the film's aesthetic appeal.
Swerve exemplifies Australian cinema's ability to create genre pictures that engage a worldwide audience. Although the film may not have a significant impact, its direction and competent acting showcase the region's rising talent.
Seeing the film locations in person would be an incredible experience, particularly the Flinders Ranges, which showcase the untamed beauty that serves as the film's backdrop. Even though Swerve doesn't precisely revolutionize its genre, it showcases the breathtaking scenery and endless storytelling opportunities the Australian terrain offers.