Going Down 1983
""It's a dog-eat-dog world and there's never enough dog to go around...""
Haydn Keenan's Going Down (1983) captures the raw, restless energy of four women navigating the gritty underside of suburban Sydney in the early 1980s.
Director: Haydn Keenan
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Going Down (1983) about?
Going Down follows four friends—Karli, Jane, Jackie, and Ellen—living on the edge of their means in 1980s Sydney. When Karli's escape plan to New York collapses after her travel money goes missing, the group embarks on a reckless final night that forces them to confront the dead ends they've been avoiding.
Who directed Going Down?
Going Down was directed by Haydn Keenan, a filmmaker known for his keen observations of Australian social dynamics and working-class struggles.
Who stars in Going Down?
The film features Tracy Mann as Karli, Vera Plevnik as Jane, Julie Barry as Jackie, and Moira MacLaine-Cross as Ellen, alongside Esben Storm and David Argue in supporting roles.
Is Going Down (1983) worth watching?
While Going Down isn't rated on IMDb, its blend of drama and sharp comedy offers a rare glimpse into early '80s Australian suburbia, making it a cult favorite for fans of character-driven films. If you enjoy stories about resilience, flawed friendships, and the dark humor of survival, this one's worth tracking down.
How long is Going Down?
Going Down runs for 94 minutes.
About Going Down (1983) — A raw, darkly comic escape from suburban Sydney
Haydn Keenan's Going Down (1983) captures the raw, restless energy of four women navigating the gritty underside of suburban Sydney in the early 1980s. Karli, Jane, Jackie, and Ellen share a cramped house and a growing sense of stagnation, their lives a patchwork of small disappointments and fleeting dreams. When Karli's father hands her just enough cash for a one-way ticket to New York, the promise of escape seems within reach—until the money vanishes overnight. What follows is a chaotic, darkly comedic farewell to the city they thought they knew, a final night where old grudges collide with unexpected camaraderie. Shot with a documentary-like urgency, the film blends drama and comedy to explore themes of friendship, desperation, and the fragile line between survival and self-destruction.
Going Down isn't just a snapshot of its era; it's a timeless portrait of women pushing back against the limits imposed on them, even as they sabotage their own chances. With razor-sharp dialogue and an unflinching eye for detail, Keenan crafts a story that's as poignant as it is hilarious, where every laugh feels tinged with the weight of what's at stake. The Sydney suburbs become a character themselves—claustrophobic yet full of hidden corners, just like the friendships at its heart.