Categories: English Movie ReviewsMovie Reviews

Model Behaviour (2013) Review: Well-Executed Indie Thriller!

In Model Behaviour, director Nathan Hill takes a sharp detour from the more light-hearted tones seen in his other works, diving headfirst into the shadows of the Melbourne fashion scene. Set against a backdrop of glitz and glamour, the film explores a dark undercurrent that runs beneath the surface: a serial killer is on the loose, and it’s up to a determined detective to uncover the truth before the body count rises.

The film follows Jordan (played by Hill himself), a detective navigating a world that feels as cold and calculated as the killer he’s pursuing. The industry’s polished surface conceals a seedy underbelly of secrets, competition, and obsession—making it fertile ground for the kind of psychological cat-and-mouse game that fuels the thriller genre. Alexis Clarke (played by Stacey McMahon), a key figure in the modelling world, becomes entangled in the case, and her involvement adds tension as the mystery deepens.

What immediately sets Model Behaviour apart from other titles in Hill’s filmography is its tone. There are no quirky detours or comedic asides here—this is a film that takes itself seriously, and it maintains that suspenseful edge from start to finish. For those familiar with Hill’s previous films like Jasper, which leaned into a kind of goofy charm, Model Behaviour signals a striking change of pace. This isn’t just a new setting—it’s a new mood, one that draws influence from gritty American cop thrillers of the ’90s, while staying grounded in its Australian identity.

As a thriller, Model Behaviour delivers a story that feels well-suited to its indie roots. It doesn’t rely on flashy spectacle or over-the-top twists—instead, it stays grounded, and focused. The narrative moves with purpose, keeping the audience engaged without veering into unnecessary subplots. Even the film’s more sensual moments—light touches of erotica woven into the fabric of the fashion industry—serve a narrative purpose. Rather than feeling exploitative or tacked on, these scenes reveal character motivations and add emotional depth to the story.

Performance-wise, Nathan Hill shines in a more restrained role as Jordan, a far cry from his more playful turn in Jasper. Here, he plays it straight, leaning into the grit and determination of a detective who has no time for distractions. Opposite him, Stacey McMahon delivers a standout performance as Alexis. She brings both vulnerability and quiet strength to her role—a model caught in a dangerous world, manipulated by the very industry she’s trying to survive. Her performance adds a compelling emotional weight, capturing the often unseen toll of ambition and exploitation in the fashion world.

The film also offers an intriguing look at the inner workings of the modelling industry, giving it a sense of authenticity. The detective work feels serious and methodical, adding credibility to the thriller framework. However, the camerawork is perhaps the one drawback—frequent shaky shots and close zooms can become distracting, pulling attention away from otherwise solid scenes. Still, with good pacing, an effective score, and a tight runtime, Model Behaviour stands out as a respectable and well-executed indie thriller.