Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

On the bewitching morning of Valentine's Day, 1900, the tranquil grounds of Appleyard College, an esteemed girls' boarding school in Victoria, Australia, thrum with anticipation. The school, under the stern watch of Mrs. Appleyard, prepares for a day-long excursion to the eerily majestic Hanging Rock. The entirety of Appleyard's small student body and staff set out, save for Sara, a student trapped in punishment's cruel grasp, and Mrs. Appleyard herself, who remains within the school's imposing walls. Under the shadow of Hanging Rock, the day unfurls, brimming with laughter and youthful exploration until twilight paints the sky and the picnickers return, their numbers disturbingly diminished. Four faces are notably absent: teacher Miss McCraw and students Miranda, Irma, and Marion have vanished without a trace. The only tangible evidence of their fate lies with Emily, a student who, traumatized and disheveled, rushed from the rock earlier, her memory a fragmented puzzle of panic and fear. As the authorities comb the rock and its surroundings in a desperate search, the ripple effects of the disappearance echo through the lives of those left behind. Michael Fitzhubert, a wealthy young man who witnessed the girls' ascent up the rock, is haunted by their absence, his life now intertwined with the mystery. Sara, secluded in her punishment, mourns the loss of Miranda, her idol, while harbouring secrets that could unravel the enigma. Mrs. Appleyard, though outwardly concerned, is gripped by the fear of her school's tarnished reputation and the ensuing scandal threatening its existence. In this tantalising tale of suspense, "Picnic at Hanging Rock" weaves a web of questions that it delightfully refuses to answer, creating an ethereal atmosphere that saturates every frame. Its claim of being based on real events is an artful ruse, enhancing the mystique of this completely fictional story. The movie invites viewers to join the picnic and immerse themselves in the haunting mystery of Hanging Rock, where reality blurs into the inexplicable, leaving an indelible imprint on the psyche.

Picnic at Hanging Rock is a drama movie featuring Rachel Roberts.

Picnic at Hanging Rock is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Xumo Play and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Picnic at Hanging Rock on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.