Kia Ora Im Andrew and today Im looking at the new kiwi film Cousins, which is based on a novel by Patricia Grace – here’s what I thought of it.
Plot
Spanning three time periods this is the story of three cousins separated from one another as adults who spend years trying to re-connect.
Acting
The three characters are played by six different actors in three time periods and they do so excellently. I particularly want to mention Tanea Heke who despite having very little dialogue brings a tragic dignity to the film.
8 out of 10 for acting.
Plot/Script
It’s a little disjointed at first but the film grows in emotion and matures as it progresses. There are many beautifully moving and powerful scenes with a wonderful mix of tragedy, tenderness and humour.
8 out of 10 for story
Cinematography
Nicely filmed and constructed however the use of intense close-ups that begin out of focus proved distracting at times.
7 out of 10 for cinematography
Set/Costumes
Each time period of this film was rendered very well with appropriate sets and clothing.
8 out of 10 for sets and costumes
Entertainment
Despite a bit of a shaky start this movie is stunning with memorable scenes and real heart
8 out of 10 for entertainment value
Average
Adding all those scores means Cousins gets an average of 7.8 out of ten
COUSINS
Starring: Tanea Heke, Rachel House, Briar Grace-Smith
Directed by: Ainsley Gardiner, Briar Grace-Smith
Duration: 98 minutes
In New Zealand Cinemas 4th March 2021