this film is set in christchurch one year after the earthquake
that's enough - that as a backdrop for a drama is of interest
add to that it's an independent kiwi film - and a city i lived in
a couple - eve and charlie - are the focus of attention for a day
the film opening with eve driving to the airport to pick him up
familiar scenes of damaged streets and buildings as she drives
at the airport there is a tentative embrace after he clears customs
she is 6 months pregnant - he presents her with a soft-toy koala
in her car she allows him to caress her belly - he is the father
but clearly there is estrangement - he then checks into a hotel
what also becomes clear is that eve has asked charlie to come
he mentions melbourne and visiting his father - he an aussie
a walk in hagley park and an awkward encounter with a jogger
introduced as her gym instructor - body language suggests more
charlie misses the point though - he's gay - he was eyeing me up
and with that - all kiwi men are gay - too many dominant women
despite that charlie is quite likable and does seem to care for eve
the use of flashback shows their happy and carefree relationship
seen at a beach, swimming, embracing, hanging out - good times
pre-earthquake - ah - a parallel - the city and their relationship
clever - but not overt - scenes of a damaged city floating by
he convinces her to join him in a guided punt on the river
she a bit reluctant but then some great framing techniques
the camera on the boat's prow with them seated side by side
do you know the sex of the baby - yes - do you want to know?
yea - it's a girl - have you thought of a name - yes - sunday
nice - and then - she announces to him she is seeing someone
we know it's the jogger but charlie seems to have missed that
he goes into typical male shutdown - nothing - silence ensues
she begs him to say something - do you love him - no answer
they get over that and then decide to take a trip to the beach
eve reminiscing about family time as a child at the same place
charlie's earliest memories - honey and peanut butter sandwiches
it's all really quaint but so confidently done - and the soundtrack
unrecognised singer/songwriter/electronica - blending in so well
they decide to visit an old haunt - her grandparents holiday house
inside they poke around - for both of them it is quite ephemeral
back at her modest home she lays down and clearly exhausted
physically and emotionally too - he lets her sleep - tv for him
he spots a photo of the new man - and also a blue toothbrush
this as he is urinating - the toothbrush takes a bath - charming
back at his hotel they are lying on his bed and cosily chatting
she announces it's not really a girl - she is having a baby boy
she wanted to see how he would react to a girl - and surprised
didn't the name sunday seem odd - that's nicole kidman's girl
i'm with charlie - no suspicion at all - things now get serious
eve says she is not sleeping with her new man - he relieved
but confused - the toothbrush - that's mine she says - uh-oh
a confession from charlie and laughing acceptance from eve
it's clear and they confirm they still love each other very much
but his wandering spirit seems to be the problem - then and now
he again in typical male mode shouting his job is very important
in the army - a convoy truck driver - hmmm - someone smack him
he is booked to fly out in the morning - eve suggests maybe not
next day and full circle - back at the airport and another embrace
he walks away - not turning - she watches - he stops - he turns
the end - perfect - we so want him to do that and he delivers
what a great film that demands close attention to the credits
eve and charlie - camille keenan and dustin clare - writers
and producers - real life partners and parents too (wiki)
the list of original music also given full and just credit
what a surprisingly cool little film - such a good setting
and the drama of the relationship so beautifully handled
question though - why is this film not in the mainstream?
maybe i saw it pre-push - hope so - it has very wide appeal
