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The camera remains close on Palmer's face, capturing even the smallest flicker of interest or fear. It's a fully embodied performance that brings Sid to life in an unusually well-rounded way. Her dry sense of humour infuses the film, rippling through her reactions to everyone around her. And the ensemble cast is earthy and honest in the way they depict people so caught up in their own issues that they can't see hers. Spencer is especially fearless as the far too obliging Freya.

While the plot may feel meandering, the way the film tracks Sid's odyssey is impressive, capturing the characters, interaction and a range of cool settings. These are normal kids expressing themselves with an authenticity most filmmakers would be nervous to depict so frankly. So the film becomes an important look at the realities of young sexuality. And for teens who might be watching, it will be cautionary and perhaps hopeful.

themes, language, sexuality

24.Mar.26

Deepening conversations allow McDonald and Ziqubu to build offbeat chemistry that remains prickly even when romance blossoms. This is largely due to how the actors play these messy, complex women who are determined to live on their own terms. And Quinn is particularly unable to control her actions or reactions. The wide range of people they meed briefly along the road are fascinating, played with authenticity by an eclectic supporting cast.

Some elements are oddly underdeveloped, such as a brief stop at a healing village that could have been a much larger part of the story. And topical issues like race and colonialism gurgle under the surface. Instead, the film centres on the unexpected connection between two women who are determined to avoid what's expected of them, even as they are intriguingly bound by their own preconceptions. So even if the story wobbles, the way these women push and pull each other is fascinating, as is how they open themselves to learn from each other.

themes, language, sexuality

22.Mar.26

Along with brooding emotions, Laird gives Lola a nervous energy that feels dangerous. And we do find out why. Whitehead's soft-spoken Philip enjoys life with Lola, but the ways he wounds her are grim. So we wonder what he truly sees in her, and also why she has come on this trip with him. The actors nicely underplay this, forcing the audience to lean in. Their internalised performances are so unflinching that the emotions become wrenching.

All of this is very heavy, and even the film's lighter moments carry haunting undertones. It's shot in a fascinating way that limits the colour palette, so even sunny beach scenes have a sense of foreboding to them. One key conversation is deliberately drowned out by the crashing waves. Another is seen only from just one point of view. And even if it's a bit indulgent, Burunova's whiplash narrative structure is effective at shining a light on an urgent topic.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

29.Mar.26