Title: Joh: Last King of Queensland
Year: 2025
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 0
Cast: Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Matthew Condon, Bob Katter
Description: A potent brew of rural grit and political skulduggery, "Joh: Last King of Queensland" (2025) isn't just a historical documentary; it's a visceral experience. Director Kriv Stenders masterfully weaves together archival footage and insightful interviews, painting a portrait of Joh Bjelke-Petersen that's both captivating and deeply unsettling. Richard Roxburgh’s portrayal of the Premier is nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the man’s folksy charm and ruthless ambition with chilling accuracy. The film explores the complex legacy of a leader whose popularity masked a reign marked by corruption and the suppression of dissent, drawing unnerving parallels to contemporary political figures. While celebrating Queensland's growth under his leadership, "Joh" doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of his 19-year reign, leaving the viewer to grapple with the enduring questions of power, legacy, and the seductive allure of unchecked authority.