The Mule

Set in 1983 Australia, the film follows a naïve man who is intercepted by federal authorities after narcotics are found concealed inside him. Rather than admit what's inside or face prison, he makes a dangerous choice to keep the evidence from them, relying on nerves and a dash of luck. The premise blends crime, comedy, and suspense as cops, smugglers and bystanders collide in a string of awkward confrontations, mistaken identities, and improvised schemes. The tone shifts between tense moments and dry humor, letting the absurdity of the situation emerge without losing the stakes. It is a brisk, offbeat ride that plays with rules and consequences while keeping the focus on the characters' improvised responses as consequences mount and loyalties strain.

Directed by Tony Mahony and released in 2014, The Mule is an Australian crime comedy thriller. The screenplay is credited to Simon van der Borgh, Jaime Browne, and Angus Sampson, with Hugo Weaving leading the cast in a strong ensemble.

Box office data for The Mule is not widely documented and there are no widely reported worldwide grosses, reflecting its limited release and niche audience in a few regional markets primarily in domestic venues and select festival showings at times.

There is no record of major nominations or wins for The Mule in databases, and it has not broken into international circuits. In discussions of the film, critics focus on its offbeat humor and performances rather than accolades, placing it among modestly recognized Australian genre projects rather than awards fixtures.

Reception sits in the mid range with a 6.3 out of 10 based on 143 votes, signaling mixed opinions. The film asks how far a desperate man will go to avoid trouble while skewering the lines between law, risk and humor and ultimately highlights human foibles and honestly acknowledges flaws.