Two Cars, One Night

This film, while short, is nothing short of a masterpiece. It has everything covered, great acting, great camera work, great storyline and writing. The subject matter is rarely approached by filmmakers and I applaud Waititi and Co. in their artful piece.

Three children wait for their parent(s) in two separate cars in a parking lot outside a New Zealand saloon in the 1960's. The thrilling economy of direction, wonderful (although occasionally infuriatingly thick native accents make it tough to catch all of the asides) screenplay and some of the most natural and believable child actors make this a touching little miracle of a short film that rates with the best ever made. If an added touch of racism, or conflict between the parents were added, it would make the film perhaps even more effective. But this is simply about kids awkwardly dealing with the opposite sex with a touching naivete that will be remembered long after viewing. Really special.....an instant classic.

Although it may not seem so, this short film is set in the present day (hence the reference to Johnny Depp). Two brothers (Romeo & Ed) wait in a car outside the pub their parents are in, when another car pulls up, two people get out and enter the pub, leaving 12 year old Polly in the car. What starts out as taunting and awkward looks, turns into an unlikely friendship between Romeo and Polly (Ed is too busy reading to be interested). What makes this film all the more unique are the thick East Coast (of New Zealand) accents, which most New Zealanders can relate to and make the film extremely realistic. Human connection was the main premise in Two Cars, One Night's creation, as explained by its director Taika Waititi; "I want to show how human contact creates something special in a not so special environment." This really is a one of a kind film which shows the most simple things in life can make the biggest difference.

Watched this cute film twice. It were the best 24 minutes in last few weeks. So many thoughts after and it's just worth it. The way kids talk maybe quite unclear because of the accent but I guarantee you gonna really love Romeo and Polly. Sometimes good things happens in very unpleasant situations.

Inside the Te Kaha pub the night is in full flow with drinkers enjoying themselves. Outside in the car park Romeo and his little brother Ed sit in the car awaiting the return of their father. Another car pulls up alongside, with twelve year old Polly also left in the car while her father goes for a drink. Bored out of his mind, Romeo starts taunting Polly from his car but what starts out childish insults changes with even the short time they share together in the anonymous car park.

Aside from the rather grating accents (to my ear at least) and the difficulty in quickly catching onto the dialect of the characters, I must confess that I found this a surprisingly fresh and charming short film. Another reviewer has stated that writer/director Cohen was aiming for something that looks at human contact and this has indeed been achieved. Filmed in a great black and white that feels dirty and lowdown (as opposed to the crisp and sexy b/w that many modern films will use) the film starts with a simple insult and builds from there. If it sounds simple then I suppose it is because it sort of is. However it works because the two characters are well written and well delivered to pace the development of this contact without making it feel corny or rushed.

The script works well but the director does well to draw good performances from the three children. Despite initially a bit put off by their appearance and accents, I was drawn in as they were by one another and found them really natural and engaging. Ngamoki is annoying at first but comes around well, while Waikato has an easy chemistry with him that makes it convincing. Ngamoki-Richards maybe has a small character but he is funny as little brother Ed.

Overall then a charming unassuming little film. It won't blow your mind with depth or messages but it is effective in what it does and it is as convincing as it is engaging.