"WISH YOU WERE HERE"

Hello.

You know you've been away for too long when the whole Blogger outlook has been changed without your approval!

Im embarrassed to note that I have not put hand to keyboard for nearly 3 months!!!
Shameful indeed.

It's not like I haven't seen a bunch of movies; I've just been plain lazy right?. I'm sorry.
Ok...Let's move on..

The movie I have chosen to return to you with is Australian feature; "Wish you were here".
This movie is a labour of love for Australian couple Kieran Darcy Smith and Felicity Price (who stars in the film.)

The story takes us on a Cambodian holiday where the shit hits the fan and consequently how it affects the lives of four very different people.

The movie excelled for me because of its carefully drawn characterisations. Clearly a lot of time was spent developing the script. The naturalistic dialogue and riveting performances kept everyone still and lifeless in my cinema.

The story was in fact loosely based on a real-life story involving a good friend of Smith and Price - the unsolved disappearance of her best friend's partner while holidaying in Thailand decades ago. The couple agreed the material was perfect for a first film.

At 89 minutes long this movie wastes no time in exploring the darker side of human nature.
The plot follows a carefully derived non linear format. Normally Im opposed to this type of film making but in this case it really seems to work. Its skilfully done for dramatic impact rather for pretentious Art house sake.

Director Smith has showcased some wonderful Aussie/Kiwi Talent here. "Jeremy" who makes up part of this fantastic four is played by Antony Starr. A kiwi actor best known for his work in "Xena" Warrior Princess doesn't have a large part but is provocative and powerful when he is. Girlfriend "Steph" played by Teresa Palmer is a wonderful addition here. This hot looking blondie has already had an extensive work history here and in the US. I loved and believed every moment she took up on screen. She was born to play the selfish,greedy Soph. Watch out for this one.

His wife in real life Felicity Price plays "Alice" the sweet natured mother and Language Teacher. I've never seen her before but was instantly touched by her revelatory performance here. Despite her meek appearance, Alice tackles a series of bad events in her stride. Suffice the saying: "Women are like tea,you don't know how strong they are until they are in hot water"

Finally we have the insurmountable Joel Edgerton who plays family man "Dave".Joel's been around for ages. From his humble beginnings on "The Secret Life of Us" Joel has recently proven he can do it all.Most recently in "Warrior" with Nick Nolte and the hugely successful "Animal Kingdom"
But its in this film; that he collaborated on with Smith (mates for 20 years)that I believe we have Edgerton's finest hour.

A vivid and real performance. We find ourselves secretly rooting for Dave despite his succession of bad choices. Joel intrinsically shows us that at the end of the day we're all guilty of being human and what that pervades.

"Wish you were here"leaves you guessing at every turn while each of the characters layers peel right off in front of you like onions. Nothing is what it seems and the key is to assume nothing.
Be transported by the beautiful sites of Cambodia and our own Bondi beaches. Languish in the soundtrack and hold onto your seatbealts for a wild ride.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

JAX