carleeee

This was an absolutely beautiful film, I can't think of a single criticism.

The storyline, the cast, the music....what an incredible combination of near perfection.

It hit me right in the feels several times, got the hayfever symptoms running in the cinema but luckily it was dark in there!

Although not based on a specific true story, it gathered real-life scenarios to create something so beautiful.

The young cast were incredible performers and assembled with no "big names", aside form Nicole Whippy.

The biggest message I felt they tried to portray was that people can be hurting whether they're poor or priviliged, brown or white...I've never seen a film where I wanted to reach out and hug so many characters.

The main characters are kids but it's not just a "kids' film", it's for everyone as they take us along their journey.

Three kids on an adventure together, each for their own reasons, with worried parents in hot pursuit. I know we've seen that kind of plot a million times but this one really is different and I'm so glad I caught it at the Sydney Film Festival.

A bit of a tear-jerker but not overly so, it's a solid plot with plenty of Kiwi humour and unlike some other films it's not too predictable.

Some great performances from the young cast, I expect we'll see their faces again in more films or at least I hope we do.

The scenery is just beautiful with stunning views of Taranaki and the Kiwi bush.

Oh finally...an original storyline, not a remake and definitely not predictable. I got "Brideshead Revisited" vibes in places but much darker and way more sinister.

I thought the performances were top notch and paired with the well though-out cinematography made it a compelling psychological thriller I'll never completely forget.

Richard E Grant is perfect as the father of the family, in fact all the supporting characters were excellent and with depth. No unnecessary "token" characters, everyone belonged in the plot.

Berry Keoghan is a new face (for me anyway) and I imagine this will open some doors for his career, what a stellar performance.

This film takes you for quite a ride!