Directed by James Ashcroft
Starring Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson and Miriama McDowell

Set on the southern-most tip of New Zealand’s north island near Wellington, this film had me lost in the enormity of the natural open spaces, the immensity of nature. For those of us in lockdown, open land and outstretched places may feel like a foreign frontier that we only vaguely remember.

I thought that I was sure to feel saddened and nostalgic about the world of travelling that once was, but this film made me grateful to be safe at home! Amazing how wide-open spaces can provide comfort in their tranquility and simultaneously feel isolating and eerie. Landscapes where you could cry out, but receive nothing in response, save the echo of your own voice ringing back.

Scary.

The film took care to build characters of depth and nuance, with both lead characters a complex mix of light and shade. The film’s editing was exceptional, really helping to build mood and suspense.

Notable performances from Daniel Gillies (Mandrake) a troubled man with minimal coping mechanisms and Erik Thomson (Hoaggie) an all-round family man with some history.

If you’re looking for a film that will definitely not give you travel FOMO, this might just be the film for you.

Coming Home in the Dark is showing in selected cinemas across parts of Australia not in lockdown from September 9.

Moviedoc thanks Miranda Brown Publicity for the screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Jemma for Moviedoc

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