Matthew Newton’s film From Nowhere receives rave reviews

MATTHEW Newton’s redemption from scandal in Australia to serious filmmaker continues in the United States, with critics raving about his latest work.

• From Nowhere premieres at SXSW
• Matthew Newton: ‘I’m a changed man’

MATTHEW Newton’s redemption from scandal in Australia to serious filmmaker continues in the United States.

Newton’s film From Nowhere, that he wrote and directed, opens this week in the United States.

The film is topical in the United States at the moment because it focuses on teenage undocumented immigrants, something the new Trump administration have promised to crack down on.

Critics have been raving about the film, which has been some welcome positive publicity for Newton.

Matthew Newton wrote and directed From Nowhere, a film praised by critics. Picture: Donna Ward/Getty

In his first interview for years, a refreshed Newton told an AOL live streaming session that he thought of his own life at 17 when writing the film.

“I was a moron when I was 17,” he said.

“I didn’t know who I was, and I can’t imagine facing these adult problems, much more adult problems that at an age we should face.”

Newton also confirmed that America is also his home.

“I love being in America,” he said.

“I am proudly Australian born, and I now live in America.

“I love being here.

“That’s how I feel about this country.”

Matthew Newton with From Nowhere actors Julianne Nicholson and J. Mallory McCree at SXSW 2016 in Austin, Texas.

Newton has been living in the United States for more than five years, after he struggled with the attention of living in the public eye following a number of well-publicised dramatic incidents.

In August 2010, he lost the gig hosting The X Factor after two domestic violence incidents with his girlfriend at the time, Rachael Taylor.

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing in the United States — he was arrested in Miami in 2012 for battery and resisting arrest after a dispute with a hotel clerk.

However the last five years things have been on the up for the famous son of Bert and Patti Newton.

Actors Gracie Otto and Matthew Newton in Sydney in 2008.

He got engaged last year to Catherine Schneiderman, and he has the support of his parents.

“Patti and I are thrilled,” Bert said when the engagement was announced.

“We love him as a son, and this is the best thing we could hope for ...”

It’s not clear if From Nowhere will have an Australian release.

The film won the audience award at the South by Southwest festival in Texas last year.