Kindling

Kindling is a heartwarming film that tells the story of a group of young men who reunite to celebrate the life of their terminally ill friend. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and acceptance in a poignant and touching way.

The characters are well-developed and each one brings a unique personality to the group. The interactions between them feel authentic and the chemistry between the actors is evident. The film successfully portrays the bittersweet moments of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the town where the story takes place. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with the music adding an emotional depth to the film.

Overall, Kindling is a touching and beautifully made film that will leave you feeling grateful for the people in your life. It is a celebration of life and friendship, and a reminder to cherish every moment we have. Highly recommended.

Kindling 2023. It's great to go to the cinema, watching a well made movie when it's a riveting exciting story, it is a great form of escapism. Sometime the film doesn't even have to be exciting, but interesting to make it thought provoking or a challenge. This film was neither.

What's even better is when your given a free ticket (thanks sis), so by default I didn't spend any money on the movie. Although I did go have a couple of beers, a gherkin and a pickled egg with my mate John afterwards (all true) so it wasn't all bad.

What of the film I hear you cry, the premise is quite simple a group of five friends who reunite to spend one last summer before one of their group dies. That's it really, think of every film about people with a terminal disease well all the cliché's are here. Well this film is maudlin in its delivery and what is aimed to be a celebration of Sid the central character becomes a long drawn out cliché of a hearse of a movie . 5/10.

One of the most beautifully shot pieces. The use of colouring and sound seal the atmosphere of vulnerability and also strength that give Kindling the essence of real human life and feeling.

The portrayal of male friendship and fatherhood unfurl the status quo in a tender manner that expresses the necessity for people to breathe, unfortified.

Somner's performance balances fear, wonder and bravery; every emotion one in Sid's position may experience. Bell's performance allows a deeper look into a father's love for his son, beyond the filter of stereotypes.

Last but not least, the complete capturing of 'home' and what it means. The fear of the unknown weathered by home: "I don't know where you're off to next, but here's a map of home."

Kindling is the most uplifting film about death I've ever seen. Throughout the course of the story, we peer into these beautiful moments of serenity in companionship. Boys walking through a field just for the sake of it, a young man and women swimming in a lake, simply to swim, and a mother washing the dishes with a helpful man. Connor crafted this film from a very personal experience, as he too has lost people very dear to him. His maturity on the subject is truly the golden center of Kindling. Especially through the entourage of friends pouring out their emotions in some of the most vulnerable scenes I've seen on screen. I could go on... The acting is phenomenal. I personally found Geoff to stand out in his roll as the Father trying to connect. David Wright's Cinematography is stellar throughout giving a warm, safe atmosphere. Harry Brokensha's score swells with the emotional moments perfectly. Connor's script ties it all together. This film has some laughs, some awe, and plenty of tears. I couldn't recommend this enough.

An unusual perspective on male emotion, Kindling is sensitively written, sympathetically directed and beautifully shot, with some excellent performances.

We follow the characters though a short summer and we are shown their depth and development as they come to terms with the sad reality of their loved one imminent passing.

The actors put in performances that show they really believe in the story this film is telling, so it is unfair to pick any individual out for praise, as they are all deserving.

And hats off to the young director, Connor O'Hara, who shines a light on this often hidden subject.

I defy you not to be moved by this thoughtful film.