The Eye of the Storm is a 2011 Australian drama film directed by Fred Schepisi. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick White and stars Charlotte Rampling, Geoffrey Rush, and Judy Davis.
The plot revolves around Elizabeth Hunter, a wealthy and influential Australian matriarch who is on her deathbed. Her two children Sir Basil and Dorothy return to Sydney from their homes in London and Paris respectively to be at their mother's bedside. They are joined by their mother's loyal nurse, Maria, her housekeeper, Lotte, and her solicitor, Arnold.
The film explores the complicated relationship between Elizabeth and her children, who are both struggling with their own personal and professional failures. Sir Basil is a famous but struggling actor in London, while Dorothy is a divorced and down at heel princess.
As Elizabeth's health deteriorates, the tensions and conflicts between her family and staff escalate, with each character trying to secure their own interests in the inheritance. Maria, in particular, is torn between her loyalty to Elizabeth and her desire to protect her own family.
The film delves into themes of family, power, loyalty, and legacy as the characters confront their past and present relationships. The Eye of the Storm was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Rampling and Rush, and its elegant and evocative cinematography.
