I loved this film so much I've seen it several times, and with each viewing am rewarded with another layer of story telling, symbolism, character development and references to Kiwiana - & NZ v USA culture.
On first viewing it's a twisty road trip with lashings of humour and a sci fi flavour, but subsequent viewings reveal a much darker story and complicated characters - once you recognise clues delivered in short sequences, or understand that throwaway lines are crucial to the story.
Cinematically it's an eye popping feast of vast landscapes and gorgeous lush scenery, but it's the dark twisty story which satisfies the most. Melanie Lynskey as Alice blew me away in her first sexy lead role rather than as the usual "suburban friend" she gets cast as; even Dean O'Gormon surprised as I'd only ever seen him acting in a soap before.
The soundtrack deserves special mention - especially the mood inducing soundscapes as the road trip progresses.
Overall this is a classic NZ film which will affect an entire generation of New Zealanders as Goodbye Pork Pie did in the 70s. Well worth a look.
On first viewing it's a twisty road trip with lashings of humour and a sci fi flavour, but subsequent viewings reveal a much darker story and complicated characters - once you recognise clues delivered in short sequences, or understand that throwaway lines are crucial to the story.
Cinematically it's an eye popping feast of vast landscapes and gorgeous lush scenery, but it's the dark twisty story which satisfies the most. Melanie Lynskey as Alice blew me away in her first sexy lead role rather than as the usual "suburban friend" she gets cast as; even Dean O'Gormon surprised as I'd only ever seen him acting in a soap before.
The soundtrack deserves special mention - especially the mood inducing soundscapes as the road trip progresses.
Overall this is a classic NZ film which will affect an entire generation of New Zealanders as Goodbye Pork Pie did in the 70s. Well worth a look.