Uproar

Scott Hardie: “It ruled.”

A very appealing drama, well acted by a cast of ringers, about a Māori teen growing up bullied by white kids in New Zealand in 1981. The story hits familiar beats for this kind of material, but hits them so well and movingly that you don't mind. I was impressed with the intensity that it achieved in certain key scenes, and its sudden sharp wit, and the fact that it didn't dwell on the kid being gay or try to force a romantic subplot; the movie has plenty on its plate without trying to include even more material. The only false note comes in the final minutes, when a brown woman who has suffered much consoles a white woman who has suffered little, contradicting the movie's priorities. Movies like this are good for the soul.This review contains spoilers. Reveal it.

− February 1, 2025 • more by Scott • log in or register to reply