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Both Ajayi and Bourdeu are earthy and relaxed, interacting in a lively way that's laced with flirtation. Koffee is more interested in pushing their connection further, while Fanny is happy to just tease him. They frolic in a series of terrific settings and montage sequences. Everything is beautifully shot and played with a low-key honesty, but it often feels like they're going nowhere. Their interaction with Sweet has an easy authenticity, as do the more complex scenes with O'Neill's xenophobic fisherman.

Filmmaker Bond has a terrific eye for catching telling details in the connections between characters who live in society's margins. Although the light-hearted tone he creates often feels like it's sidestepping the darker, more serious issues that are lurking in the premise. And of course there are other shoes that will have to drop: Koffee will need to face up to his situation, and he and Fanny will need to work out who they are to each other. And their precarious position in society limits their choices.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

30.Mar.21

Oddly, the actors all looks like they're half asleep. So it's notable that Sutherland makes the most of a difficult role, revealing micro-glimpses of life even though she never smiles. Dara's stubborn refusal to accept help makes it difficult to sympathise with her, although her honesty is refreshing, as is her yearning, sensitive maternal instinct. The supporting cast is nicely grounded, drawing her out in a variety of ways. Abrahamson is particularly good as a guy who is doing his best in this confusing new reality.

The central themes are vivid, exploring how life changes without notice and how difficult it is to confront or make up for past mistakes. More important is the way the film grapples with how people misunderstand each other. A confrontation scene in which Dara finally expresses herself is riveting, bringing her thoughts into sharp relief to show how marginalised she has always felt, without anyone to support her through her internal struggles. It's a vivid reminder to be patient with each other, and with ourselves.

themes, language

29.Mar.21

Leach has terrific presence at the centre, both knowing and naive at the same time. His curiosity is fascinating, as is the way he draws self-protective lines around his experiences. As his father, Taylor provides layers that imply a separate life off-screen, giving Sequin independence but also increasingly concerned about his erratic behaviour. In fact, each of the smaller roles is remarkably textured, hinting at a larger world Sequin can't quite grasp. But then, he's only just beginning to grow up, and he's not necessarily taking the easy route.

As events unfold, the story takes some turns into thriller territory, as Sequin haplessly creates several rather dodgy situations around him. There's always the sense that he's a teen who isn't as in control as he thinks he is. The narrative's loose structure sometimes makes it feel a little draggy or indulgent, but the steady escalation of tension keeps it riveting. And the deeper issues that gurgle quietly under the surface make it important as well.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

8.Mar.21