Film Review - The Convert
Images courtesy of Kismet Movies.
The Convert is a historical fiction piece, set during the British colonisation of New Zealand. Taking place during an escalating war between two Iwi’s, the audience is offered the perspective of an English lay preacher. The film was directed by Lee Tamahori, known for shifting the New Zealand filmscape and shedding light on intergenerational trauma experienced due to colonisation with his film Once We Were Warriors (1994).
In terms of technicality, the colour grading compliments the lakes and mountains of New Zealand beautifully. The environmental backdrop of each scene transports the viewer into the vast and cold environment endured by the characters. Each shot was well crafted and emphasised the subject and a message.
Guy Pearce portrays Munro, a lay preacher who tries to “teach by example” and borders on being a white saviour. He of course provides a stimulating performance, but is overshadowed by newcomer Ngatai-Melbourne as Rangimai, a young Māori woman, who absolutely blows it out of the park with her performance. When her character feels pain, the viewer feels her pain, and when her character feels joy, the viewer feels her joy. Each actor provided a compelling performance and had good chemistry with one another. Each protagonist was extremely easy to root for, despite their lack of complexity.
There were some interesting writing choices to say the least, with some major plot points being executed in a way that can best be described as “lacklustre”, such as the death of certain characters, the rushed and needless inclusion of a certain romance between two main characters and the major battle scene that was abrupt and under-prepared in terms of plot, with little exposition provided on the reasons for the two sides fighting amongst each other. However this isn’t to say that the film was boring due to the executions of certain plot points falling short: when I felt compelled by certain scenes, such as a somberly shot and acted end duel between two enemies, I felt compelled. There were gems throughout the film that I could only describe as “haunting”.
I can only say: inside of me are two wolves. I myself am from New Zealand, and found the film to be a good insight into its history. I felt fully immersed in its place, thanks to the performances, costuming and cinematography, but I also felt the film was held back by its writing, with moments such as the previously mentioned romance providing little impact to the overarching project. I can only say, The Convert wasn’t perfect but its visuals and depiction of the way of life for people in Aotearoa at the time will continue to leave its mark on me.
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The Convert is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.