Strange Planet
As you might have gathered, the Strange Planet referred to in this film’s title is none other than Tellus, our Earth. On this planet wander two groups of friends, looking for the meaning of life, without realising that they are so close to it and each other. In Sydney, to be precise. The story begins on New Year’s Eve and ends 365 days later. In the months in between we get acquainted with Judy and her flat mates Alice and Sally, as well as their male counterparts Ewan, Neil and Joel. All six are seeking fulfilment and love in their own ways and the film is created around the possibilities we all have in choosing our own lives, but it also toys with the idea of fate.
When there are six main characters in a film there is always a risk that we don’t really get to know any of them. Unfortunately this is the case with Strange Planet. Although the acting is generally good and some of the night shots of Sydney are innovative, it is never more than a feel-good movie. The handling of serious issues like rape is rather clumsy, whilst the fluent boundaries of sexuality are explored in a more subtle way.
After the huge success of her first feature, Love and Other Catastrophes, it feels like Emma-Kate Croghan tries a little too hard to capture life in its entirety in Strange Planet. Yet, as I leave the cinema, I can’t help smiling to myself. Because, despite its light substance, it is still a very warm hearted and enjoyable Australian comedy.
Anna Solding
