Dark hidden world of Witches and warlocks. The story is set in a gloomy backdrop of present day Christchurch, devastated by a Freak Earthquake a few years earlier. In these shadowy days, a child must be protected from a mysterious Evil. A Teenage sister (Laura) vulnerability is tested against the presence of this Evil conjurer, played by veteran actor Timothy Spall! Determine by events she does not understand or control. She is forced to search for her true self! Empowered she must be ready to battle for her loved sibling (Jacko) against a powerful mysterious foe, before it's too late. Highly entertaining film that can be enjoyed by all! Be prepared for a thrilling adventure into the the world of Darkness and Light. Where you are taken to the shallowest depth of human suffering and with the protagonist you must find your way back to the light of self sacrificing hope to free him.A brilliant performance by New comer, actress Erana James as Laura was top notch. Erana James didn't seem to be intimated playing opposite to veteran actor like Timothy Spall. Great direction by Co-Director Miranda Harcourt.The cinematography is Brilliant with visuals techniques, such as framing of actors, Angles and lens choices gave the visual narrative a strong presence. I loved the subjective camera and effects technique of Laura character transforming through the change over period.The Sound Effects where effective and hit you like a baseball bat. Combine with great editing and seamless transitional shots. The creative choices by Co-Director Stuart McKenzie was spot on!

The Changover is a refreshing young adult film with its relatable portrayal of Laura (the main character), family dynamics and of post-earthquake Christchurch. What stuck out for me is that this film isn't condescending towards teenagers, like many are of the same genre. Instead The Changeover shows how many New Zealand teens live and what things place importance in their lives. What also makes the film so special is the great sound track and cinematography which beautifully mirrors the characters and plot. I would highly recommend The Changeover to both young adults, parents and families.

Margaret Mahy's young adult novel THE CHANGEOVER was a central text in my teenage years. I loved it as a bildungsroman that was laden with both mystery and romance, intertwining the supernatural with the ordinary life of a girl in my own country, New Zealand. Thus I approached the film version with some trepidation - what if the movie didn't catch the essence of that beloved tale?I need not have worried. THE CHANGEOVER is a terrific film: spooky and atmospheric, well-paced and beautifully shot. It does not slavishly adhere to Mahy's text, but makes changes that add drama and ambiguity, giving the story additional texture and emotional resonance. The Christchurch location is inspired; the story plays out in a place that needs no special effects to look desolate or threatening as required. The young actors in the lead roles are terrific, and the supporting cast are likewise strong. Timothy Spall's spooky stranger will haunt your dreams... Yet the film also manages to contain humour and humanity, never 'trying too hard' to achieve its effect. Director Miranda Harcourt and her crew have a light touch with some heavy subject matter, and the film rises like a bubble above the usual predictable jump-scares of many spooky stories. THE CHANGEOVER is a tribute to Mahy's original novel, but it is also a great movie in its own right. Huge congratulations to all involved. Highly recommended.

I took my 12 year old daughter along to the premiere of this wonderful movie and we both loved every minute. It was suspenseful, a bit romantic, empowering and a little creepy. So nice to see a powerful young woman (Erana James) discovering her true self and shining through. Loved Timothy Spall bringing the creep. Was emotional seeing my home town as the location but felt a sense of pride at the same time. I haven't read the book yet but will now. Would definitely watch this again and I don't say that lightly as I dislike watching movies several times.