Body Blow

Directed by Dean Francis
Australia
2025
100 mins
A cop goes undercover in Sydney's neon-lit gay nightlife, but danger lurks when he falls for a seductive bartender. A slick erotic thriller featuring Paul Capsis (Head On).

Disgraced cop Aiden (Tim Pocock) is sent deep undercover into Sydney's pulsing gay nightlife – a world of neon haze, sweat and shifting loyalties. There he meets Cody (Tom Rodgers), a younger bartender whose charm quickly complicates his mission. But Cody answers to Fat Frankie, a commanding drag queen, brought fabulously to life by Paul Capsis, who pulls Aiden into a web of crime and danger. The film also features an unforgettable performance from Sacha Horler (The Dressmaker). Director Dean Francis (Drown) delivers a bold, stylish film with impressive visuals, charged performances and a moody energy that gives this erotic thriller a raw edge.

Immersive and intense.
Jennie Kermode, Eye For Film

Special Guests

Dean Francis
Director

Dean Francis is a twice-AACTA-nominated filmmaker whose work spans directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and editing. His debut feature ROAD TRAIN (2009) secured worldwide distribution, and DROWN (2015) became the top-selling film in Mardi Gras Film Festival history, winning seven festival awards. He produced the AACTA-nominated LONESOME (2022) and produced/shot Georgina Haig’s ASHES (2023). His latest, BODY BLOW, is a neon-noir exploring sex, power, and queer identity.

Tickets

Wed 10 June 2026, 6:15pm
Event George St - Cinema 5
1 Guest
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Sat 13 June 2026, 9:15pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1
1 Guest
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
  • Program Strand
  • Year
    2025
  • Classification
    Unclassified 18+
  • Country
    Australia
  • Language
    In English
  • Director
    Dean Francis
  • Producer
    Dean Francis, Ulysses Oliver, Ben Ferris, Timothy May
  • Cast
    Tim Pocock, Chris Haywood, Paul Capsis
  • Screenwriter
    Dean Francis
  • Cinematographer
    Franc Biffone
  • Editor
    Dean Francis
  • Composer
    Andreas Doninguez
  • Genre
  • Premiere
    Australian Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Australian Distributor: Screen Inc.
  • Official Website
Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Flag

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Don’t miss a thing!

Whether you’re in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.

Don't miss a thing!

Whether you're in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.