A New Zealand-made whodunit following a true-life crime writer (Gareth Reeves - A Song of Good, Insider’s Guide to Love) as he struggles to overcome a writer’s block which threatens to stall his career. Shot in the Waitakere Ranges.
"Carrying off its low budget with polish and actorly flair, this earnestly lurid digi-thriller makes a bold break from years of TV stardom for writer/director James Napier-Robertson and producer/actor Tom Hern. ‘I know more about killers than they know about themselves,’ boasts Sydney true crime writer Stanley, pen-name Michael White (Reeves), but too much knowledge of his next subject, serial killer Harry Jenson, is weirding Stanley out. His desperate agent suggests joining a tramping party in NZ to clear his head. How could he guess that he's transplanting his troubled client from urban noir into a bloody backwoods whodunit? Cameron Rhodes, Ian Mune and Ilona Rodgers are amongst the familiar faces making distinctive contributions to the cunningly plotted mayhem of terror, suspicion and recrimination." - New Zealand Film Fesival 2009.
Just saw it in Wellington, and I really loved this film. Was exactly what I was feeling like; total escapism, real tense and somewhat scary at times, and really well crafted together. It was fun trying to work out what was happening, and actually being able to use my brain while watching it, rather than having some Hollywood crap (see Valentines Day) spoonfeeding cookie-cutter mediocrity to me. Really really good job to the guys that made this. May you make many more films in the future. Dan
"Don't believe the above reviews?" ie: ALL the reviews but yours?! Dillan and Brian Henderson, who are you, the hate brothers? Dillan, YOU HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN IT and you're giving it a bad review. This is exactly the kind of attitude that ... oh, you know what. Forget it. Congratulations on being a knob and getting me to react. Great film guys. Not perfect. But a bloody good watch. Recommend.
I agree with the Dom Post review, definitely a 4 star film. Totally took me by surprise, to be honest I wasn't expecting that much, but as I work in the industry I try to go see locally made films, and this one was genuinely affecting. V. well put together, strong acting, lots of atmosphere, really nice pace, and s***loads of tension. Also they did a really good job making it feel like it was spread out in many places (NZ, Sydney etc.), whilst on the budget that they apparently had... (I do wonder if they had slightly more money than I've read they had, because it really didn't feel low budget like it should have... or they must have pulled a LOT of favours!) My only critique would be that I think they could have trimmed it slightly more, after the end of film climax, in the denoument. But that's a pretty small note. Definitely recommend people seeing it, even if you don't think you'd normally like many kiwi films.
I just got back from seeing this at the Paramount matinee, and found it really gripping! I saw how on Good Morning, Ian Mune said his brother told him it was the best NZ film he'd seen (partly why I decided to go!), but to be honest I would agree with him. Definitely one of the best NZ films I've seen. Full of atmosphere and tension, and a very clever storyline... Didn't come across at all as low budget either. There wasn't much I didn't like about it. Maybe that the opening credits were too long! Have been recommending it to all my friends.
The only people on here that seem to 'hate' the film are also the only people who can't seem to spell or use proper grammar...
Carrying off its low budget with polish and actorly flair, this earnestly lurid digi-thriller makes a bold break from years of TV stardom for writer/director James Napier-Roberston and producer/actor Tom Hern.
The young writer-director achieves moments of real tension - the literal revealing of the villain is a scene of some mastery - and it's a more-than-worthwhile local effort that bodes well for its makers' future careers.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 28th Jan 2010.
Release date: January 28th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
