Cruel Hands is a psychological thriller directed and written by Al Kalyk, who co-wrote the screenplay with Matthew Kalyk. The film stars Mavournee Hazel, Diesel La Torraca, Josh McConville, Harry Greenwood, and Geneviève Lemon. Set during Australia’s devastating 2019 Black Summer bushfires, the movie tells a tense survival story against the backdrop of smoke-filled forests and isolated farmland. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of Cruel Hands.
The story follows Maria and her 12-year-old son, Dai, as they escape from her abusive husband and hide in an abandoned farmhouse during Australia’s catastrophic Black Summer bushfires. While emergency crews search for the missing family, Dai slowly realizes that not everything is as it seems, leading to shocking discoveries in the middle of a deadly natural disaster.
Cruel Hands is set to be released on July 24, 2026, by Dark Sky Films.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Dark Sky Films’ Cruel Hands Filmed?
| Film Name | Cruel Hands |
|---|---|
| Genres | Psychological Thriller, Horror |
| Filming Locations | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Filming Dates | 2025 |
| Cinematography by | Al Kalyk & Charlie Cole |
| Release Date | July 24, 2026 |
Cruel Hands was filmed entirely in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Although the exact filming dates have not been revealed, production wrapped well before its 2026 festival screenings and July 24, 2026 release. The filmmakers used Queensland’s rural landscapes, bushland, and isolated farm properties to recreate the frightening atmosphere of Australia’s 2019 Black Summer bushfires.
📍Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
The entire movie was filmed in Gold Coast, Queensland, which served as the production’s main filming base. While many people know the Gold Coast for its beautiful beaches, the filmmakers focused on its peaceful hinterland, rural farmland, and dense bushland. These natural settings perfectly matched the story of a mother and son hiding from danger in an abandoned farmhouse while massive bushfires spread across the countryside.
The smoke-filled forests, dry landscapes, and lonely roads seen throughout the movie were all captured in this region. Director Al Kalyk wanted the Australian landscape to become an important part of the story, making viewers feel the growing danger as thick smoke slowly covered the countryside before the fires even appeared.
📍Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
Many outdoor scenes were filmed throughout the Gold Coast Hinterland, an area known for its forests, rolling hills, and quiet rural communities. These locations provided the abandoned farmhouses, bush tracks, and isolated properties that are central to the film’s story.
The natural beauty of the hinterland also helped create a realistic atmosphere without relying heavily on visual effects. Festival critics praised the film’s smoky landscapes and grainy visual style, saying they made the suspense feel even more real.
📍Rural Farm Properties, Queensland
Several scenes were filmed on rural farm properties around the Gold Coast region. These locations feature open paddocks, weathered buildings, dirt roads, and remote surroundings that make Maria and Dai’s hiding place feel believable.
The abandoned farmhouse becomes one of the film’s most important settings. Its lonely location, surrounded by bushland and smoke, adds constant tension as both the approaching wildfire and Maria’s abusive husband close in.
Cruel Hands Behind the Scenes
The production relied heavily on real outdoor locations instead of studio sets to give the film an authentic look. Director Al Kalyk also worked as one of the cinematographers alongside Charlie Cole, helping create the movie’s distinctive grainy visual style inspired by classic 1970s thrillers.
The cast and production team have shared behind-the-scenes photos and updates on Instagram:
More behind-the-scenes content may become available as the film approaches its theatrical release.
Is There Any Trailer Available for Cruel Hands?
Yes. The official trailer for Cruel Hands has been released on Dark Sky Films’ YouTube channel.
Cruel Hands is scheduled to be released on July 24, 2026, by Dark Sky Films.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Cruel Hands filmed?
A1: Cruel Hands was filmed entirely in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, with much of the production taking place in the region’s rural hinterland and bushland areas.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Gold Coast, Queensland?
A2: Many of the movie’s major scenes, including those set around the abandoned farmhouse, bushland escape routes, and smoke-filled countryside, were filmed in Gold Coast, Queensland.
Q3: When did filming for Cruel Hands begin?
A3: The official filming dates for Cruel Hands have not been publicly announced. However, production was completed before the film’s festival screenings in 2026 and ahead of its July 24, 2026 release.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Cruel Hands?
A4: Yes. Many of the rural areas and natural landscapes around Gold Coast, Queensland, including parts of the hinterland, are open to visitors. Some private farm properties used during filming may not be publicly accessible.
Cruel Hands uses the rugged landscapes of Gold Coast, Queensland to bring its gripping survival story to life. The region’s bushland, rural farms, and isolated countryside create the perfect setting for a psychological thriller set during Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires. Combined with its haunting cinematography and powerful performances, these real locations help make Cruel Hands one of the most visually striking Australian thrillers of 2026.
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