Starring: Madison Hull, Jacob Harvey, Leighton Mason, Luke Scholes, Lachlan Blue, Lynette Ellis, Ian Martin, Declan Castle
Distributor: Screen Inc
Runtime: 90 mins. Reviewed in Dec 2024
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone msc
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The story of two young adults from different backgrounds who are brought together by their common love of making music and the challenge they both face of having an alcoholic parent.
The first streetlights of the title are in Alice Springs. In fact, this is very much an Alice Springs film. We see many aspects of the city, the different neighbourhoods, the home of the white policeman, the home of a First Nations family, shops and bars, schools, the city streets. And we see the surrounding country, especially at the end, a journey from Alice Springs towards Melbourne.
In most ways, this is a gentle and hopeful film. It should be noted that this is the first film for the six main characters, and they are quite convincing. First there is Ella, played by Hull, a teenager grieving the death of her beloved mother in a car accident. Her father, Jack (Scholes) copes by drinking. By chance, Ella comes across Izac, (Harvey), a young First Nations man, lover of rap, composing songs, using his computer for background music. They become friends.
And we see Izak at home with his younger brother Tobias and his alcoholic father, Clifford. We get glimpses of Clifford’s background as an international dancer. Also at home is the idle Uncle Ronnie (Martin) and Aunty Samara (Ellis).
Which means that this is a pleasing film about friendship, love of music, song composition, sharing and genuine bonding. But this is Alice Springs, and the realities of racism and, especially, alcoholism, have to be faced. Jack, in fact, is a police officer who had raided Clifford’s house in the past, treating the family harshly. And, it is a shock to Jack to find his daughter at Clifford’s house. Tensions rise, Izak and Tobias, leaving home, their father and uncle taking their money. And, Ella more and more alienated from her father.
The story becomes something of a message film at the end. The younger generation running away, hopes to make success of their music in Melbourne despite so many previous frustrations, the two fathers in pursuit to rescue their children. A message of reconciliation – and, exuberant hope as the two youngsters with their band perform successfully at a club.
A short and modest film, some familiar material, but engagingly presented.
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