IMDb 6.3 1996 HD

Whipping Boy

Whipping Boy

1996
Crime Drama TV Movie
93 min NR Australia
6 / 10
6.3 IMDB

A female lawyer heads a government taskforce investigating a suspected paedophile racket in Sydney. Based on the novel by Gabrielle Lord.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director John Martin / Di Drew / P.J. Voeten
Starring
Sigrid Thornton / Temuera Morrison / Tammy Macintosh / Treffyn Koreshoff / Ralph Cotterill / Kelly Dale / María Mercedes / Scott Swalwell

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

gripping serious tense thoughtful grounded deliberate understated compelling disturbing focused mature unblinking

Reviews

P
Priya Sharma
May 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A powerful and unflinching look at a dark corner of society, 'Whipping Boy' succeeds admirably as an adaptation of Gabrielle Lord's novel. Sigrid Thornton is exceptional as the determined lawyer spearheading a crucial investigation into a Sydney-based paedophile…

J
Julian Croft
May 15, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

'Whipping Boy' attempts to dissect a disturbing societal issue through the lens of a legal investigation in Sydney. Sigrid Thornton essays the role of the lead lawyer with her usual assuredness, but the film itself feels somewhat restrained.…

C
Chloe Davison
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Based on Gabrielle Lord's novel, 'Whipping Boy' presents a Sydney grappling with a disturbing criminal element. Sigrid Thornton is compelling as the lawyer leading the charge, her performance a beacon of strength amidst the darkness. The film's tone…

M
Marcus Bellwether
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A taut thriller, 'Whipping Boy' harnesses the investigative prowess of Sigrid Thornton as she spearheads a taskforce against a Sydney-based paedophile ring. The adaptation from Gabrielle Lord's novel is handled with a steady hand, focusing on the methodical…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Sigrid Thornton anchors 'Whipping Boy' with her characteristic gravitas, portraying a formidable lawyer tasked with a grim investigation. The film, adapted from Gabrielle Lord's novel, treads a fine line between procedural drama and social commentary. While the Sydney…

FAQs

Sigrid Thornton leads the government taskforce as a female lawyer at the forefront of a sensitive investigation. Her character's pivotal position suggests a portrayal of determination and resilience as she navigates the complexities of uncovering a suspected paedophile ring, making her the central driving force of the film's plot.