When a Town of 11 Residents Loses One: The Mystery Unfolds

 

When a Town of 11 Residents Loses One: The Mystery Unfolds

If you ever dreamt of escaping to the remotest corner of the world, Larrimah, a minuscule Australian outpost nestled along Stewart Highway in the Northern Territory, might just be your destination. A few years ago, this quaint town boasted a population of only 11, but it captured the nation's curiosity when Paddy Moriarty, a long-time resident, vanished without a trace on December 16, 2017. The enigmatic disappearance is the central focus of "Last Stop Larrimah," an HBO documentary (premiering on October 8), produced by Jay and Mark Duplass, known for their work on Netflix's "Wild, Wild Country." This gripping documentary unravels the mysteries surrounding Paddy's disappearance while shedding light on the unique lifestyle of the town's eccentric residents.

Paddy Moriarty, an Irishman who settled in Larrimah after wandering through various Australian locales, including one where he had a family, was a beloved figure in the town. Through vintage interviews and footage, director Thomas Tancred brings Paddy's charismatic personality to life. Paddy was a regular at Larrimah's pub, which served as the town's hub, functioning as a hotel, a mail pickup point, and a bus depot. Known for his jovial nature, Paddy's sudden disappearance on December 16, 2017, raised eyebrows. Strangely, no one, including his close friend Barry, who was aware of his absence, reported it to the police for three days. When Detective Matt Allen and his team finally arrived, the trail had grown cold, but numerous leads awaited their investigation. 

Beyond its picturesque facade as a quaint, remote enclave for like-minded loners and recluses, Larrimah concealed underlying tensions. As Tancred's documentary reveals, these tensions did not solely revolve around Paddy. 

The documentary includes interviews with various Larrimah residents, such as Barry, newcomers Karen and Mark, first responders Karl and Bobbie, and intriguing characters like "old man" Lenny, Cookie "the Candy Thief," Billy "Light Can," beer can-collecting recluse Dave, and bartender Richard. Fran, the pie lady famous for her meat pastries and Paddy's neighbor, had a notable feud with him. Paddy had supported the pub's sale of meat pies, a move that clashed with Fran's business, leading to a bitter rivalry. Fran, openly expressing her disdain for Paddy, quickly became a suspect in his disappearance, with rumors circulating about her involvement.

Paddy's body, along with any evidence of his fate or whereabouts, was never found, leaving investigators to navigate Larrimah's tangled web of conflicts. Accusations flew, including insinuations about Paddy's character, Barry's reputation as a bushman with a criminal past, and suspicions of arson involving Karl, Bobbie, and Diane concerning a burned-down tourist complex. The documentary sifts through these allegations, revealing the difficulty of substantiating any claims.

Structured into five chapters and a prologue, Tancred's documentary delves deep into the mystery of Paddy's disappearance. While it uncovers little concrete evidence, it presents a shocking audio recording that could be interpreted as a private confession to the crime. However, "Last Stop Larrimah" falls short of offering a definitive resolution, both narratively and legally. In a remote place like Larrimah, where individuals lead solitary lives with few prying eyes, getting away with a crime seems easier, especially when the perpetrator enjoys a three-day head start. To this day, no one has been charged in connection with Paddy's death, despite a $250,000 reward for information.

"Last Stop Larrimah" is a tale of provincial dynamics and the hostilities they breed. It sheds light on the extraordinary individuals who choose to embrace life on the outskirts of civilization. While it may not provide answers leading to a conviction, it offers insight into a perplexing chapter in Larrimah's history.