The Justice of Bunny King

Greetings again from the darkness. Most of us are quick to judge others. Often too quick. This superb (and bleak) feature film debut from writer-director Gaysorn Thavat reminds us that our initial judgments might just be an easy "out" for us so that we may go on about our way, oblivious to the struggles of others. There is observational commentary here on what it means for a parent to love their kids so deeply, for someone to believe in themselves whole-heartedly, and for the pain an institution can cause under the guise of doing the right thing.

Essie Davis (THE BABADOOK, 2014) delivers a ferocious and authentic performance as Bunny, who is much stronger than we might originally think. Is she more determined or desperate? We aren't sure. She's also very clever at times, though sometimes unable to control her emotions. Bunny's focus is on securing housing so that Social Services will permit her kids to live with her. Currently, she's only allowed supervised visits, and we see loves them intensely. Shannon (Amelia Baynes) is a disabled 5-year-old who loves her back, while Reuben (Angus Stevens) is an angry and frustrated 14-year old who just wants a 'normal' life that doesn't involve foster homes.

Bunny is perpetual motion. She describes herself as self-employed, spending days as a "Squeegee Bandit" cleaning windshields at stoplights for loose change. She's saving that change in a soda bottle that she keeps in the linen closet of her sister's house. It's here where she cleans house, cooks dinner, does laundry, and watches kids all for the benefit of getting to sleep on the couch. Her sister Grace (Toni Potter) is a late shift nurse whose husband Bevan (Errol Shand) is a d-bag in so many ways. In fact, Bevan is at the center of an incident with Bunny's niece Tonyah (Thomasin McKenzie, JOJO RABBIT, 2019; LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, 2021) that cuts right to the heart of Bunny's character. We see how she reacts and begin to understand how she arrived at this particular lot in life.

Thavat's co-writers Sophie Henderson (BABY DONE, 2020) and Gregory King center much of Bunny's actions around the birthday party she has promised daughter Shannon for her upcoming birthday party. Is Bunny fit to be a mother? Most of the time we think she is devoting every waking moment to reuniting with her kids. However, in her worst moments, she lashes out and displays poor judgment, leaving us and Social Services with serious doubt. The past is brilliantly unfolded and never dwelled on because Bunny wakes up every morning optimistic about what lays ahead. There is a terrific sequence involving her attire, and Ms. Davis just nails the shift in tone. Hers is an award-worthy performance, if only enough people will see the film (which is doubtful). This New Zealand production expertly sets the stage with 4 Non Blondes "What's Up" and then bookends with a different version by Willa Amai.

Opens in theaters on September 23, 2022.

I've been using IMDB for over a decade, and have been loving films for the last twenty years. Despite that, I've never left a review up until now. I went into this film knowing nothing, but finished watching it with a sense of sadness and an overwhelming feeling of empathy towards any parent who's ever been in a seemingly hopeless fight for their children. This film was absolutely fantastic in every regard. The cinematography was superb, the acting was top class, and the storyline had suitable twists in all the right places. I really wanted to leave a review because I feel all those involved earned it - 221 reviews doesn't do this film justice at all. If you enjoy social issues, the peculiar and untimely dilemmas of life, and aren't afraid to watch something raw and honest, give this a go. I'm glad I did, thank you to you all for making it so great.

This little gem was co-written and is the first full-length feature film directorial debut for New Zealand filmmaker Gaysorn Thavat, and she gave us an exceptional piece of filmmaking. This film reminds me a lot of To Leslie starring Andrea Riseborough, as it highlights real-world socioeconomic issues that tug at your heart-strings. It has many depths and layers of emotional intelligence, with exceptional character study on the undeterred spirit of a mother held back by societies systems. It is told with conviction and anger, with some great occasional moments of dark comedy. But great directing and storytelling needs an equally great performance, and Essie Davis as Bunny brought that authenticity needed to elevate the filmmaking to the top shelf. For that matter, all casting and performances deserve praise, as does the cinematography and score. It's a definite must-see and well deserved 9/10 from me.

The cards and dice have fallen the wrong way, the fine lines have been drawn, and now you're left astray, in a world that doesn't care, you're driven further to despair, but in a fight for what is right, you'll have your say. Alas the powers in control have put up walls, and they are deaf to all your pleadings and your calls, there's a process to be followed, they must make sure that you're hollowed, and even then there's further steps that you must crawl. But your passion and your instinct keep you spurred, to do what's right, you will no longer be deterred, you may have hit the rocks, but you're pulling up your socks, and fighting to be seen, and to be heard.

Essie Davis is outstanding as the mother who's done nothing wrong but is punished to extremes for trying to recover the kids she loves and seeks to protect.

Beautiful story about a mother's love and poverty. I enjoyed this movie and how it reflects reality of life. Amazing acting by the leading lady and her neice.