From the outset I had high hopes for this film. I love a good New Zealand indie. The cinematography was great, a fantastic soundtrack and not half bad acting. And the story had some promise, but about halfway through it just got silly. The storyline had so many holes and was just unbelievable. Not the worst movie I've seen and its a fine 90 minutes if you have the time to waste.As for the first 5 or 6 reviews here giving it 9 or 10/10.. give me a break. Clearly bogus reviews.

I always love to watch tightly directed, well-acted, thought-provoking movies that transport me away from my normal life. I go to the movies to be challenged, make connections with characters and, most of all, become emotionally involved. Given these prerequisites, I often leave the movie theater dissatisfied with one element or another. Not so with The Changeover. Erana James and Timothy Spall (and the entire cast actually) engaged my attention to such a degree I almost forgot I was watching a movie. Broken-vein close-ups of Carmody (Timothy Spall) while professing his dastardly innocence gave me the creeps - wonderful thrilling creeps, but at the same time I sort of almost believed he was the simple, harmless good guy he feigned. (I like it when movies play with your mind.) Furthermore, I was so absorbed in the love Laura (Erana James) had for her brother that I found the extreme measures she went to in order to save him completely normal.I also liked the way the cheerless post-earthquake setting juxtaposed with the beauty of things like the huge moons and water scenery. There were many other special touches including art and imagery. Yes, unbelievably for me, this is a rave.

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.

Mum and I a bit jolted by The Changeover - this was a pretty classy film I thought. Especially loved the soundtrack but the performances crackled too, along with some fantastic imaging. It made for a compelling viewing experience. Erana James is staunch as, playing Laura (def one to watch for in the future as is The Inland Road's Gloria Popata) and a nice contemporary touch with the setting and the scripting too.Masterful storytelling by award-winning young peoples author Margaret Mahy (Carnegie Medal winner and Hans Christian Anderson Award fellow) has been adapted and contemporised and shot against the backdrop of a post-earthquake Christchurch which suits perfectly with the upheaval in the story. All navigated with seeming ease by the film's young heroine. Take a dive into a slightly different world view...