The Proposition

The film opens with a violent shootout in a brothel, signaling the chaotic environment of the Australian outback in the 1880s. Charlie Burns and his gang engage with the police, leading to a bloody confrontation that results in the annihilation of Charlie's crew.

After the shootout, Captain Stanley presents a grim choice to Charlie Burns: kill his older brother Arthur or risk losing his younger sibling, Mikey. If Charlie fails to fulfill this task within nine days, Mikey will face execution on Christmas Day as punishment for the ambush on the Hopkins family.

As the story develops, we learn about Captain Stanley's true motivation behind his ultimatum. He desires to bring order to the lawless outback for the sake of his sick wife, Martha, while also seeking to make amends for the tragic fate of the Hopkins family, who were close friends.

Amid rising tensions from townspeople reacting to Stanley’s deal with Charlie, the captain's superior, Eden Fletcher, demands a severe punishment for Mikey, resulting in one hundred lashes. This horrific event not only inflicts physical pain on Mikey but also endangers the fragile agreement between Stanley and Charlie.

Determined to confront his brother Arthur, Charlie embarks on a perilous journey filled with internal and external conflicts. As he travels, he battles both the harsh landscape and personal demons that challenge his resolve and purpose.

During his journey, Charlie crosses paths with Jellon Lamb, a bounty hunter on the trail of the Burns brothers. In a twist of fate, Charlie incapacitates Lamb, thus eliminating one obstacle in his pursuit of his brother Arthur.

Charlie finds himself awakening in Arthur's camp, which is nestled within a rugged cave system. Faced with numerous opportunities to end Arthur’s life, Charlie hesitates, grappling with feelings of loyalty and familial ties.

As Charlie is embroiled in his personal battle, chaos erupts when Sergeant Lawrence and his men commit acts of brutality against local Aborigines. This violence escalates into a deadly altercation between Lawrence's men and Arthur's gang, intensifying the already volatile situation.

In a climactic turn, Charlie teams up with Arthur to orchestrate a desperate jailbreak to rescue Mikey. This daring act of audacity reflects Charlie's deep-seated desire to save his brother despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them.

The jailbreak ends in tragedy as Mikey succumbs to the injuries inflicted upon him during his flogging. In a heartbreaking scene, he dies in Charlie's arms, leaving Charlie to grapple with profound grief and loss, shadowing the siblings’ bond.

As Captain Stanley and Martha attempt to celebrate a peaceful Christmas, their evening is violently disrupted by Arthur and Samuel. The brutal intrusion shatters the semblance of safety, forcing all involved to confront the dire consequences of their previous actions.

Amid the chaos of the Christmas attack, Charlie finally faces Arthur, wrestling with the weight of their shared history and the path that has led them to this moment. This confrontation acts as a catalyst for Charlie to honor both their bond and the tragic circumstances surrounding them.

In a poignant conclusion, Charlie discovers Arthur wounded and succumbing amidst the stark beauty of the outback. A blood-red sunset captures the somber scene as Arthur acknowledges Charlie’s resolve, prompting deep reflection about their familial ties and uncertain futures.