Why 2026 is the most exciting year for debut New Zealand films in ages
It’s been a stonking good year for bold, weird, fresh debut feature films. Alex Casey goes on a…
Review: Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant is a slimy and smart local body horror
Alex Casey reviews the latest entry to the gooey local horror canon. Here in Aotearoa, we have a…
Revisiting Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners, 30 years since its release
Alex Casey returns to Peter Jackson’s genre-bending Lyttelton-shot ghostfest on its 30th anniversary. Here’s a fun fact about…
Ten must-see films at this year’s NZ International Film Festival
Already have decision fatigue for Whānau Mārama 2026? Thomas Giblin selects 10 easy wins. The hotly anticipated 2026…
‘Really mind-blowing’: The New Zealand coming-of-age film winning big overseas
After a phenomenal run on the international festival circuit, Paloma Schneideman is bringing her award-winning film Big Girls…
Review: Caterpillar is an essential love letter to mothers and daughters
Alex Casey reviews the new local multi-generational drama written and directed by Chelsie Preston Crayford. There’s something going…
How The Weed Eaters team cooked up an instant cult horror-comedy classic
The microbudget comedy-horror has the kind of hype around it that money can’t buy, but how did it…
A decade on, Hunt for the Wilderpeople remains a ‘majestical’ classic
Alex Casey rewatches the highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time as it celebrates its 10th birthday. Having…
Review: Star-studded Holy Days is a road movie that could do with more gas
Alex Casey reviews Holy Days, the new local film starring Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver and Judy Davis. In…
How one 40-year-old song ended up in seemingly every big NZ movie of 2025
Alex Casey investigates the powerful resurgence of a Crowded House hit in cinemas this year. The most patriotic…
Review: Pike River is a triumphant ode to two friends and their fight
Alex Casey reviews Pike River, out in cinemas nationwide this week. One of the many enduring scenes in…
How Pike River forged an unbreakable bond between Robyn Malcolm and Melanie Lynskey
Alex Casey speaks to Robyn Malcolm and Melanie Lynskey about how Pike River forged their close friendship, and…