Albany star Joel Jackson shines in Jungle topping Australian Netflix charts

Survival drama film Jungle might be going on four years old but after its release on Netflix last month it has regained traction, becoming the most watched Netflix film in Australia at the time. It has also drawn attention to Albany’s homegrown star Joel Jackson, who features in the Australian thriller. This film, which is based on a true story, is the most intense and stressful film I have watched in recent months. I found it hard to tear my eyes away from the screen, which is a huge credit to director Greg McLean and production company Screen Australia. Based on the true story of Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg’s 1981 journey into the Amazon forest, Jungle starts out in the most humble way but eventually lures the audience into a manic, gruesome and emotional ride jam-packed with adventure. Ghinsberg is played by Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. Jackson’s character, reserved Swiss school teacher Marcus Stamm, befriends Ghinsberg and gets thrown into this tale of man v wild. Jackson’s performance is a highlight of the film, with his subtle accent. He spoke to the Advertiser in October, opening up about what it was like working alongside a global star in Radcliffe. “(It was) relaxed, he makes it so easy, he doesn’t ask anything of you,” Jackson said. “A lot of actors have a bit of stigma around them, it’s a bit difficult on set, but he made it so easy. He’s so talented that it just seemed like you were talking to that person.” Radcliffe’s performance is indeed phenomenal. The first 20-30 minutes of the film feel slow and it all seems so uneventful to the point where I almost considered watching something else. But all of a sudden, the rollercoaster ride kicks off. The group encounters rapids and harsh weather conditions when, without giving too much away, Yossi becomes separated from the group and must battle the mysterious jungle on his own. Jungle is on Netflix now.