"In My Father's Den" - film review...

Went out last night to see ”In My Father’s Den” . I have not read as many of Maurice Gee’s novels as I should have and so was not quite sure what to expect.

The story is of a prodigal son, a boy who ran away from home at the age of 16 in circumstances that form the central theme of the plot. He returns sixteen years later as a rather cynical and dis-spirited but acclaimed war correspondent to attend his father’s funeral.

From there the film is a mix of memory, current event, imaginings, and perhaps even hallucination, seen mainly from the son’s point of view and occasionally from that of the other three main characters – the ex-girlfriend, her daughter, and the main character’s brother.

Some will think that this film is at worst confusing, at best requiring concentration and thought. It is not an “easy” film. It is not “entertainment” in the Hollywood style. It is a very tense and compelling drama.

This is a film that explores in depth the relationship between three people, the history and events behind that relationship, and how that places them in current society. There is no anonymity in the setting, a small remote New Zealand town. Everyone knows everyone, went to school with them, are remembered at sight even after sixteen years absence. With that close level of scrutiny, there is no escape from the events as they unfold. The settings becomes increasingly claustrophobic and dark.

Do not be put off by the fact that the characters are played by “unknown” actors, or that the Director and his team are relative new-comers. The lead actors are excellent in their parts.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those reading this in NZ, I urge you to go see it. Those elsewhere, it is likely that your only chance to see this small gem will be in festivals and special circuit (art film) theatres. Keep an eye out for it, it is well worth seeing.

Local review...