March 14, 2024
FILM: UPROAR
DIRECTED BY: PAUL MIDDLEDITCH, HAMISH BENNETT
STARRING: JULIAN DENNISON, MINNIE DRIVER, RHYS DARBY
RATING: 3 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The new film Uproar explores the familiar subject of a character feeling like an outcast and trying to figure out where they fit in while on the verge of adulthood. We’ve seen many such stories but what makes this one different are the unique qualities of its setting and time. Josh Waaka (Julian Dennison) is an overweight high school student living with his mother (Minnie Driver, sporting an unflattering blonde wig) and brother Jamie (James Rolleston) in a small but picturesque town in New Zealand. Jamie was the school’s star rugby player who seems to have experienced a career ending injury prior to the events of the narrative. Josh helps his brother rehabilitate but is trying to find his own footing and identity.
The surprising undercurrent to the film though is its exploration of racism. It is 1981 and local protestors do not want a rugby team from South Africa to tour and play in New Zealand due to Apartheid. This sub-plot initially seems unrelated to the coming of age journey that Josh is on and even changes the tone of the film. During the opening scenes, the narrative seems to be moving in familiar territory as Josh is bullied and a warm drama teacher (Rhys Darby) invites him to be part of a small new drama club. We can generally see where this might be going.
But the racism angle becomes more pronounced as further details are revealed about Josh. It seems his deceased father was an Aboriginal. So while Josh is already a bit of an outsider because of his weight, he’s also part of a culture that doesn’t feel like it belongs on its rightful land in New Zealand. Should Josh stand on principle and get involved with the local protests? Should he follow in his brother’s footsteps on the rugby field, or should he explore the talent he seems to have as a performer?
As such, the film is covering a lot of ground for one character and perhaps for one film. What makes the film work are the grounded performances of the main actors. Julian Dennison shows a lot of range as Josh and is given an opportunity to let the character grow in a number of interesting ways. He’s sensitive but fierce, especially when performing. Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death, Flight of the Concords) is always fun to watch. He’s a solid comic actor who adds a lot of levity to many scenes in the film. Minnie Driver, as Josh’s mother, is initially depicted as a bit of a one-note, cold character but she also transitions into someone who is perceptive and caring.
There’s a nice message here surrounding the importance of breaking from patterns and rules. On a small scale, Josh is hounded by the school librarian for eating and talking when no other student appears to frequent the library. What’s the point of keeping quiet if there’s no one else there? Similarly, why follow what a winning obsessed headmaster dictates if it means going against one’s own personal principles? Is it acceptable to break the law if it means contributing to a greater good?
These are just some of the many ideas Uproar explores. If at times it feels pretty heavy-handed its heart remains in the right place and its themes will resonate with many cultures in today’s volatile social climate.
Uproar will be in limited theatrical release, including at the AMC South Barrington 24 theater in suburban Chicago, beginning tomorrow.
FILM: UPROAR
DIRECTED BY: PAUL MIDDLEDITCH, HAMISH BENNETT
STARRING: JULIAN DENNISON, MINNIE DRIVER, RHYS DARBY
RATING: 3 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The new film Uproar explores the familiar subject of a character feeling like an outcast and trying to figure out where they fit in while on the verge of adulthood. We’ve seen many such stories but what makes this one different are the unique qualities of its setting and time. Josh Waaka (Julian Dennison) is an overweight high school student living with his mother (Minnie Driver, sporting an unflattering blonde wig) and brother Jamie (James Rolleston) in a small but picturesque town in New Zealand. Jamie was the school’s star rugby player who seems to have experienced a career ending injury prior to the events of the narrative. Josh helps his brother rehabilitate but is trying to find his own footing and identity.
The surprising undercurrent to the film though is its exploration of racism. It is 1981 and local protestors do not want a rugby team from South Africa to tour and play in New Zealand due to Apartheid. This sub-plot initially seems unrelated to the coming of age journey that Josh is on and even changes the tone of the film. During the opening scenes, the narrative seems to be moving in familiar territory as Josh is bullied and a warm drama teacher (Rhys Darby) invites him to be part of a small new drama club. We can generally see where this might be going.
But the racism angle becomes more pronounced as further details are revealed about Josh. It seems his deceased father was an Aboriginal. So while Josh is already a bit of an outsider because of his weight, he’s also part of a culture that doesn’t feel like it belongs on its rightful land in New Zealand. Should Josh stand on principle and get involved with the local protests? Should he follow in his brother’s footsteps on the rugby field, or should he explore the talent he seems to have as a performer?
As such, the film is covering a lot of ground for one character and perhaps for one film. What makes the film work are the grounded performances of the main actors. Julian Dennison shows a lot of range as Josh and is given an opportunity to let the character grow in a number of interesting ways. He’s sensitive but fierce, especially when performing. Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death, Flight of the Concords) is always fun to watch. He’s a solid comic actor who adds a lot of levity to many scenes in the film. Minnie Driver, as Josh’s mother, is initially depicted as a bit of a one-note, cold character but she also transitions into someone who is perceptive and caring.
There’s a nice message here surrounding the importance of breaking from patterns and rules. On a small scale, Josh is hounded by the school librarian for eating and talking when no other student appears to frequent the library. What’s the point of keeping quiet if there’s no one else there? Similarly, why follow what a winning obsessed headmaster dictates if it means going against one’s own personal principles? Is it acceptable to break the law if it means contributing to a greater good?
These are just some of the many ideas Uproar explores. If at times it feels pretty heavy-handed its heart remains in the right place and its themes will resonate with many cultures in today’s volatile social climate.
Uproar will be in limited theatrical release, including at the AMC South Barrington 24 theater in suburban Chicago, beginning tomorrow.