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Directed by Christopher Weekes
The main character in this film, Liam Lombard (Jeremy Brennan), actually dies in the opening scene. Three years after his death, the four people he loved the most still haven’t moved forward with their lives, rather, they’ve stagnated and headed down paths of self-destruction. Indigo (Leeanna Walsman), the girlfriend he left behind, is involved with the married Greg (Gary Sweet). His brother Ben (Christopher Weekes) is torn between fighting for Indigo’s affections or accepting the advances of his gay friend Matt (Matthew Newton). His father Jordan (Steve Rodgers) is eating himself to death and his mother Penny (Noni Hazelhurst) is taking desperate measures to feel loved and wanted.
Sounds like a depressing synopsis but, thanks to the brilliant script and direction from writer/director Christopher Weekes, the audience is taken on a great journey as these misdirected characters overcome the unresolved issues left behind after Liam’s death. Set in a working class suburb of Sydney, the cast of well-known Australian actors plumb the depths of longing, loss and learning to live, even though most of the characters are unable to put words to their frustrations. According to Weekes (who also plays Ben), ‘Everyone wants to be loved, everyone wants to be happy, but sometimes we get so beaten down by all the opportunities we missed, we forget what we were after to begin with.’
You won’t see this film widely advertised. It was independently produced on a ‘micro-budget’ by a crew who are mainly under 30 years of age for less than the catering budget of most feature films. Christopher Weekes is certainly a talent to watch out for in the future. There is not enough room to rave about all the fantastic features of this film, which has already been recognised overseas – just go see it.
Lezley Herbert
