Dark Age

During a massive rainstorm, poachers head out onto a local river to hunt a colossal saltwater crocodile. They spot the 7.6-metre beast and attempt to capture it, but the creature overturns their boat, leaving John Besser as the sole survivor.

The following day, ranger Steve Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral head out to check on the poachers and rescue Besser. Besser vows revenge against the beast.

The crocodile attacks and kills an Aboriginal child, escalating fear in the community. The murder spurs action from the authorities and villagers alike.

Steve Harris is ordered by Rex Garret to kill Numunwari. Oondabund refuses to allow this and explains that the beast is Numunwari, believed to be a mystical repository of the community's souls.

The beast murders a thug at the local harbour, demonstrating its deadly reach. Harris begins to organize a hunt, blending science and Indigenous knowledge.

Harris convinces Oondabund to help in the hunt, agreeing to capture Numunwari and release it downstream away from people. The plan aims to return the beast to its homeland and protect the community.

Rex Garret gives the go-ahead for the plan, approving the joint hunt. The agreement formalizes cooperation between the ranger and the Aboriginal leaders.

Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral set out along the river to locate and trap the beast. In parallel, Besser and a friend head out with a net, intending to kill the creature.

The beast ambushes Besser, dragging him into the water and tearing off his arm. The chase demonstrates the predator's ferocity and the high stakes of the hunt.

Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral successfully capture Numunwari and bring it to the mainland. They transport the beast in a truck, while Besser and Cathy Pope pursue to warn the trio.

The trio arrives at the beast's home, intending to release it away from people. Besser and his friends arrive immediately after, initiating a confrontation.

Besser attacks the beast with an axe as it flees into the river, while Harris's group and Besser's men exchange fire. Oondabund is fatally wounded in the crossfire.

The beast eludes capture and drags Besser underwater, killing him. The pursuit ends with the predator still at large in the river.

Sometime later, Adjaral feeds Oondabund's remains to the beast in accordance with their religion. The ritual underscores the spiritual significance of Numunwari.

With the immediate threat unresolved, Numunwari and the community remain bound by ritual beliefs and the predator's presence. The ending hints that the struggle between people and the beast will continue.