Joh: Last King Of Queensland (2025)

Review Team

4/5

Joh: Last King Of Queensland is a compelling biopic that captivates with its rich archival footage and engaging interviews. Directed by Kriv Stenders, the film successfully captures the essence of Joh Bjelke-Petersen's controversial reign. Richard Roxburgh delivers a powerful performance, embodying ... Show more >> Joh: Last King Of Queensland is a compelling biopic that captivates with its rich archival footage and engaging interviews. Directed by Kriv Stenders, the film successfully captures the essence of Joh Bjelke-Petersen's controversial reign. Richard Roxburgh delivers a powerful performance, embodying Bjelke-Petersen's unique speech patterns and commanding presence. The film does an excellent job of balancing the economic growth Queensland experienced under his leadership with the darker undertones of corruption and repression. While some may find the pacing uneven, the exploration of Bjelke-Petersen's complex character makes it a worthwhile watch for those interested in Australian political history. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

Watching Joh: Last King Of Queensland feels like a trip down a murky memory lane. It's an intriguing film, but it doesn't always hit the mark. Richard Roxburgh's portrayal of Joh is both captivating and cringe-worthy, showcasing the man behind the political hype. The film's mixture of archival foota ... Show more >> Watching Joh: Last King Of Queensland feels like a trip down a murky memory lane. It's an intriguing film, but it doesn't always hit the mark. Richard Roxburgh's portrayal of Joh is both captivating and cringe-worthy, showcasing the man behind the political hype. The film's mixture of archival footage and interviews attempts to paint a full picture, but at times it feels disjointed. There's a lot of ground to cover in Bjelke-Petersen's reign, and while the film touches on important themes of power and corruption, it occasionally loses focus. Overall, it’s an interesting watch for those curious about Queensland's history, but it may not satisfy everyone. Show less