Streamline

Streamline is such an impressive and captivating film. Easily the best Australian film I've seen in years. This is a coming of age film about a young swimmer that defies all the cliches of the genre. Levi Miller's performance as Ben is amazing; so much is said with so few words and he never betrays the role. Ben leaps off the screen and my concern for his welfare left me holding my breath for most of the film. Jason Isaacs is Ben's estranged father whose release from prison prompts Ben's world to suddenly overwhelm him. The movie unfolds beautifully, with incredibly natural performances that anchor it firmly among the best Australian films. The photography is brilliantly understated, supporting and never distracting from the story. The sound is similarly masterfully used. Tyson Wade Johnston, the writer and director, is so effortlessly confident that it's almost incredible this is his feature debut. Highly recommended.

Men are made by their mistakes. It's only when you lose everything you find out who you are. You find the best part of yourself.

For a directorial debut, Tyson Johnston did a solid job making a touching and investing story. The performances were all solid. And hey, there's Jason Isaacs, who did a great job even though he had little screen time.

The story itself still was a bit too quick. The relationship between the estranged dad and the kids should have been explored further.

Overall, it's a good drama with potential. 7.5/10.

Benjamin 'Boy' Lane (Levi Miller) is a 15 year old Australian swimming phenom on the path to the Olympics. His life starts falling apart after his abusive criminal father Rob Bush (Jason Isaacs) gets released from prison.

I must warn anyone wanting Jason Isaacs to be a big part of this movie. He is in a supporting role here although it is an important one. The kid is ok although he's no James Dean. For most of the movie, he has two modes. He is either smiling or not smiling. It's not until the end when he tries to expand his acting. This needs the kid to do more and Jason Isaacs could have drawn that out of him. I'm sure that Isaacs was too busy to give them more than a few days.

Gritty movie showing a true side of Australian teenage turmoil in combining sport with life. Johnston drew from personal experience both being an Australian and his experience in competitive swimming as a teenager. Levi Miller portrayed the role beautifully and the cast showed a very accurate portrayal of Australian life for many. Loved it.

There is a true grit of honesty in Aussie film and it's portral of people and language. This movie has it. A very confident film debut for Tyson Wade Johnston writing and directing. It's true blessing is the rising super star of Levi Miller. Amazing child actor who is growing into an talented actor (see Better Watch Out and American Exit for starters) and will be a superstar.