Nitram is an Australian biographical drama film that is based on the true story of Martin Bryant, who was responsible for the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania in 1996. The movie follows the life of Nitram (Martin spelled backward), played by Caleb Landry Jones, a 20-something man with an IQ of 66 who feels alienated from society. Nitram lives with his overprotective mother (Judy Davis) and supportive father (Anthony LaPaglia) in Tasmania. His mother fears that society will mistreat him because of his mental handicap, so she homeschools him.
Nitram lives a life of loneliness and frustration, unable to fit into society, but that soon changes when he meets Helen (Essie Davis), a rich woman who is as lonely and isolated as he is. They form a close bond, and Nitram finally feels accepted and understood. However, when their relationship ends in tragedy, Nitram's life takes a turn for the worse.
The movie portrays Nitram's descent into madness and his eventual role in the Port Arthur massacre. The story is told through flashbacks, revealing the events leading up to the tragedy. The film also explores the issues of mental illness, gun control, and the consequences of isolation and loneliness.
Directed by Justin Kurzel, Nitram had its world premiere at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a tragedy that shook the world.