FILM REVIEW: The Loved Ones

Two Aussie YA films in 2010! This is certainly a treat. Earlier in September the much anticipated Tomorrow When the War Began hit silver screens all over the country and has since become the highest grossing Aussie film of the year. Perhaps, um, by default.

Until now? Last night I saw a special preview of The Loved Ones, directed by Sean Byrne, a horror film that has been aptly described as Pretty in Pink meets Wolf Creek. And it wasn't--OMG!--a book first. Is that even allowed these days?

After a car accident that kills his father, Brent can't help feeling that his mother blames him for the crash. He escapes into a world of marijuana and heavy metal, one that his girlfriend Holly hopes to pull him from. After refusing Lola's invitation to the school dance, the timid girl who wears pink and obsesses over finding her prince, Brent is drawn from one nightmare into one that is far, far worse.

The Loved Ones is funny, racy and stuffed full of torture porn. I adore horror films but I'm very squeamish and spent much of the middle third hiding behind my coat thinking make it stop make it stop make it stop. But gosh it was entertaining! Extremely creative violence. But it's more than just the violence. The Loved Ones has a fantastic storyline, and where this film shines is its ending. Brilliant. Various story threads come together for a denouement that really packs a punch. Combined with a talented cast and shots of the arid Victorian countryside (my home state, yay!) this is unmissable watching for fans of horror, teenage and otherwise.

Last night's special screening included a QnA with the director and the audience showed their appreciation for the film with a rousing round of applause as the credits rolled. The Loved Ones releases nationally on November 4, and is going to give Tomorrow When the War Began a run for its money.

Film Review: Tomorrow When the War Began

The film adaptation of John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War Began was released in Cinemas last Thursday in Australia. I can't tell you how squee-making it's been seeing buses wrapped with ginormous film posters driving about. Ever since casting for this film was announced I've been excited for this film. See, I've always liked Caitlin Stasey. I thought she was excellent on Neighbours and would make a very good Ellie.

I tried not to get my hopes up too high. They got up there anyway without my permission. I was practically jumping up and down when I bought tickets. And when the credits rolled. I was still twitching in my seat when the planes were flying over Hell. I don't think I calmed down for the entire movie, because I loved it.

I loved it.

My friend loved it too. She hadn't read the books, and she was hiding under her jacket in a few places. She freely admits she's a sook, but it was genuinely nail-biting in places.

It was beautifully shot. It was funny as well as affecting. It was thrilling, and what's more, it was faithful to the novel. Things always have to be changed when a book is translated on to screen, but they were minor things and they were done well. The pacing was perfect. The acting was clunky in one or two places, but forgivably so as it was wonderful in most. The girls in the movie did seem to have these affected British accents in places, which could have been a result of hanging out with Rachel Hurd-Wood, who's a pom. I wonder, though, if it's to make the film slightly more appealing in the mother country. It's weird that it was just the girls though.

I'm so proud, relieved and excited--and I hope they make a sequel.

Super Freaking Cool Events

There's a Michael Grant signing at Borders in Chadstone on Saturday November 6. It's a good reason for me to read his books, no?! Ha, I'm sorely behind.


And THIS one, this I am spitting chips about because I can't go--a screening of Tomorrow When the War Began with a presentation by John Marsden and a signing. On a Thursday! Remind me why I work again?! Bah!


Tomorrow When the War Began is in Australian cinemas September 2. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!