Paul (Macfadyen), a battle-scarred and world-weary award-winning war journalist, returns to his isolated New Zealand homeland upon the death of his father. For dissatisfied sixteen-year-old Celia (Barclay), he reveals a world in which she had previously only fantasized. She aggressively pursues a friendship with him, captivated by his cynicism and life experience outside of her small-town existence. However, many, including members of both families (Otto and Moy), disapprove of their association, and when Celia disappears, Paul becomes the most despised and punished suspect in her disappearance. As the violent and urgent reality gradually emerges, Paul is compelled to confront the familial tragedy and betrayal he fled as a child, as well as the tragic ramifications of the quiet and secrecy that have enveloped him for his entire adult life.
Read full
Paul (Macfadyen), a battle-scarred and world-weary award-winning war journalist, returns to his isolated New Zealand homeland upon the death of his father. For dissatisfied sixteen-year-old Celia (Barclay), he reveals a world in which she had previously only fantasized. She aggressively pursues a friendship with him, captivated by his cynicism and life experience outside of her small-town existence. However, many, including members of both families (Otto and Moy), disapprove of their association, and when Celia disappears, Paul becomes the most despised and punished suspect in her disappearance. As the violent and urgent reality gradually emerges, Paul is compelled to confront the familial tragedy and betrayal he fled as a child, as well as the tragic ramifications of the quiet and secrecy that have enveloped him for his entire adult life.
Discussion