Based on Peter Carey's novel of the same name, this film presents a dramatically reimagined tale of the life of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang, who evade the law during the tumultuous 1870s.
The story begins with Ned's father, John "Red" Kelly (played by Gentle Ben Corbett), an Irishman deported to a prison colony in Van Diemen's Land. He eventually establishes his family in Victoria, Australia, after marrying Ellen Kelly (Essie Davis). Tragically, Red's numerous run-ins with the authorities culminate in his imprisonment and subsequent death when Ned is just twelve.
Ned, portrayed by Orlando Schwerdt as a boy and later by George MacKay as a young man, demonstrates courage and compassion early on; he even risks his life to save a drowning boy. However, he is shaken to discover his father's unorthodox methods during outlaw raids. Meanwhile, Ellen struggles to support her children through various means, including her tumultuous relationship with Sgt. O'Neill (Charlie Hunnam) and her romantic entanglements, the most notable being with the infamous bushranger Harry Power (Russell Crowe), who becomes a mentor to young Ned.
As the narrative unfolds, under Harry's influence, Ned becomes embroiled in criminal activities. After a violent confrontation with Sgt. O'Neill, Ned ends up in prison for three years. Once released, he returns to his mother's home, where he falls in love with a young Irish prostitute named Mary (Thomasin McKenzie). However, tragedy strikes when Constable Fitzpatrick (Nicholas Hoult) arrives to arrest the Kelly family, leading to a dramatic defense by Ned against the constable.
Ned and his brother Dan (Sean Keenan) then take refuge in the hills, rallying friends like Steve Hart (Louis Hewison) and Joe Byrne (Sean Keenan), forming what becomes known as the Kelly Gang. Their spirit is fueled by a sense of oppression as they see themselves as Irish warriors against the English rule. As tensions escalate, the authorities arrest Ned's mother and baby sister, pressuring him to surrender, but instead, he retaliates by killing Fitzpatrick.
The gang gains notoriety after ambushing a group of constables at Stringybark Creek, where Ned demonstrates his lethal skill. They take refuge in Glenrowan, hosting several captives, including the local schoolmaster (Jacob Collins-Levy), who prompts Ned to document his story. However, their plans are thwarted by betrayal, leading to a climactic shootout fraught with surreal moments. In the end, despite their valiant efforts, the gang is overwhelmed, and Ned is convicted of murder, ultimately facing his fate at the Old Melbourne Gaol, encouraged by his mother to “die like a Kelly.”
