West
Directed by Daniel Krige.
West documents the rise and fall of 20-something cousins Pete (Khan Chittenden) and Jerry (Nathan Phillips) in Sydney's “tough” (well, according to the promotional material!) outer suburbs. While both guys share a love of hanging out at the pub and getting stoned in deserted laneways, Pete's days consist of drug dealing and dealing with local dodgy figures, whilst Jerry works at the local chicken shop and is determined to make this year 'a better year'.
Close mates as well as cousins, Pete and Jerry's friendship is tested when they both fall for the same girl, Cheryl (Gillian Alexy).
The events which follow, whilst in some ways believable, almost seem taken from an Aussie version of Jerry Springer. Betrayal, murder, prostitutes, a diverse range of mullets and questions about paraplegic sex abound, and you are constantly surprised (and perhaps disappointed) by the next twist in the plot.
Having said that, the cast put in a solid performance and you become caught up in the emotional worlds of the characters, particularly Jerry, whose love for Cheryl is a nice part of an otherwise dark story.
I haven't seen Suburban Mayhem, but I think it would have some similarities to West, so if you enjoyed that film, give West a go. West is also good for those who like their films to contain plenty of X-rated action! (See the film and you'll know what I mean.)
2.5 out of 5
Sarah Burton
