Ned

Set in the rural Australian Outback during the 19th century, the film 'Ned' is a dark comedy that takes creative liberties with the legendary story of outlaw Ned Kelly. The story follows Ned Kelly, a socially maladjusted individual played by Jim Jefferies, an Australian comedian and actor. The film showcases the eccentricities of Kelly's life in the countryside. Kelly lives with his grandparents in a rural farmhouse, where he struggles to form connections with the community due to his peculiar nature. As an adult, Kelly works odd jobs and becomes involved in petty crimes. He eventually adopts a tough demeanor and begins a journey towards becoming a notorious outlaw. In a bizarre twist, Kelly is portrayed as having Asperger's syndrome, which influences his actions and the way he interacts with others. The portrayal of his disorder adds a touch of realism to an otherwise comedic portrayal of the legend. Kelly's Asperger's is evident in his awkward attempts to form relationships, his preoccupation with rules and routines, and his literal interpretation of the world around him. His life's turning point occurs when he is wrongly accused of a minor theft and is subsequently imprisoned. The mistreatment Kelly receives at the hands of the authorities solidifies his resolve to become an outlaw, seeking revenge against those he perceives as oppressive. Kelly embarks on a series of daring heists and escapades, often targeting the wealthy elite while targeting his personal frustrations towards a corrupt system that he perceives has wronged him. Alongside him are Dan Kelly, a loyal but awkward friend, and Joe Byrne, an individual who shares Kelly's distrust of authority. The film takes creative liberties with historical facts to emphasize the absurdity and anachronistic nature of a modern character's presence in a largely untouched 19th-century community. Ned is forced to navigate his modern sensibilities within a society that values strict conformity and respect for authority. His attempts to fit in end in comedic mishaps, adding to the film's humor. Throughout the film, Kelly's interactions are filled with awkward exchanges with those around him. He struggles to understand social norms and expectations, often misunderstanding the intentions of others and creating conflict. This portrayal of Kelly makes the character feel more vulnerable and relatable, emphasizing the struggles faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. One of the most interesting elements of the film is its critique of social hierarchies. The movie mocks the pretentiousness of the well-to-do landowners who exploit the Australian Outback's resources and disregard its people. Ned is drawn to these wealthy individuals due to their wealth, status, and power, but it is through their treatment of him that he ultimately sets out to rebel against their privilege. As Kelly's outlaw career becomes more notorious, his actions draw the attention of the law, who will stop at nothing to capture the wanted man. This escalating conflict is depicted with dark humor, often relying on the absurdity of the situation and the mismatch between Kelly's modern nature and the rigid social norms of 19th-century Australia. Ultimately, the film serves as a satirical commentary on social class and authority. The portrayal of Ned Kelly as a character with Asperger's serves to highlight the struggles faced by those who struggle to fit in with societal norms. By combining humor with the historical legend of Kelly, the film offers a unique perspective on this well-known story, injecting it with an element of modernity that challenges the viewer to think creatively about the context in which the events took place.