Sam Ivermee’s latest film is
reminiscent of his last film
‘Utopia’ (2012) in some aspects
but in others seems
miles apart. Characters
seem more relatable and the
story plot is no longer so
obviously dark. Eram
Kukanathan seen previously
in Utopia is apposed by a
male protagonist Rob Hurley.
Themes previously
seen however such as
education and spirituality
are brought back into this
director’s new film. A much
more
emotional and spiritual style
from the realist director.
Rob Hurley and Jack Hall
played by Cameron Ross
and Ian Ivermee give flawless
performances,
unexpected from such unheard
of actors. The naiveté
of the actors is almost what
makes the tricky scenes feel
more natural – It reminds
you of the Andrea Arnold
casting of Katie Jarvis as a
first time actress. This film
does seem more complex
than that Ivermee’s first
film but retains his ability
to draw the darkness of
realities
to light. The film does sometimes
feel as though there
is not so much obviously at
stake for the character
compared to Eram from
‘Utopia’.
The metaphor of a sandbox
is
a subtle one throughout the
film. You start to notice that
there is more to the film
than a conversation
between two people as
strong emotions start to
clash. The authentic performances
from Cameron Ross
the young boy who wants to
impress, who wants approval.
When the final scene
plays and you see Rob
running down a road you
find yourself praying it he
hasn’t really stole from Jack.
You feel that this could be
somewhat a rite of passage
for the boy, and once you’ve
remembered the danger
from the two boys giving
him grief earlier you start to
feel this could be just another
boy in a dangerous cycle.
Ivermee doesn’t making
the art work too glossy. Neither
Rob or Jack are going
to be winning any competitions
but if anything that
merely reinforces the his
meaning that art is a release
we’re missing. The close up
on Robs strokes onto the
pages of the sketchbook
gives makes us realize how
delicate and therapeutic art
can be.
It is this scene that changes
Rob. You can almost feel the
change after Jacks emotional
monolog. The
relief that sweeps you when
you see that rob has left
Jacks with a painting is uncanny.
But the silver box?
The rosemary beads is
something that you can only
hope changed. It’s almost a
cliffhanger, it’s ambiguous. I
think the amount you value
human decency will give
you your answer on what
you think happens. For Sam
Ivermee’s first short film this
is excellent work. We can
now only hope that more
great things will follow.
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