Dealing With Destiny

Dealing With Destiny is an Australian comedy-drama film released in 2011, directed by Colm O’Murchu. The film features nuanced performances from promising actors like Luke Arnold, Roger Sciberras, and Clayton D. Moss, bringing a distinctive and refreshing style to the genre. The film unfolds against the backdrop of Sydney, Australia, offering vivid scenery that almost stands as a character on its own, contributing to the dynamic and interesting narrative.

At the heart of Dealing With Destiny, we have the story of Blake, Lloyd, Vinnie, and Ricardo, played by Luke Arnold, Clayton Moss, Roger Sciberras, and Stelio Savante respectively; four university students in their final semester of school. They represent the typical youth of our times, embracing life's chaos and the last vestiges of their carefree existence before the reality of adulthood. Arnold convincingly portrays Blake, a man whose goofy charisma and youthful idealism collide with the reality of graduating and facing real-life responsibilities.

The film is very much a coming-of-age tale, focusing on the experiences of these four young men as they grapple with their future after graduation. Blake’s dream is to be a cartoonist and he’s on the verge of achieving it with a comic book deal. But with his father pushing him to take over the family business and his girlfriend pressuring him to settle down, he is torn.

Lloyd, portrayed by Clayton Moss, plays the quintessential buddy character, acting as the supportive best friend who accompanies Blake on this emotional rollercoaster of life changes. Roger Sciberras embodies Vinnie, a character who, despite having a less turbulent life than his friends, weaves his personality into these relationships, adding humor and depth to the narrative.

Dealing With Destiny proves to be an intimate exploration into the minds of twenty-something-year-olds on the precipice of life-changing decisions, embodying the struggles, uncertainties, joy and heartbreak that comes with it. The chemistry between the four leads is electric and realistic, making their friendship endearing to watch. The drama is cleverly interspersed with humorous elements, providing a perfect balance that ensures the film is both entertaining and poignant.

The rich tapestry of the film is further adorned by the characters played by the supporting cast which includes Stelio Savante as Ricardo, and Catherine Jermanus as Tamara. Their performance adds further complexity and color to the plot.

Additionally, the director effectively utilizes the picturesque landscape of Sydney, Australia, to bring visual delight, which enhances the narrative and ties beautifully to the destinies of the characters. The city, with its breathtaking views, serves as more than just a backdrop - it becomes a symbol of the vast and numerous possibilities that lay ahead for these budding adults. This smart incorporation of the environment, character-driven humor, and emotional depth makes Dealing With Destiny a uniquely evocative film.

Moreover, the film's careful treatment of the struggles associated with entering adulthood, choosing a career, and navigating personal relationships, enables viewers to resonate with and appreciate its authenticity. It is not just a narrative of their senior year adventures, but it goes beyond to effectively capture the essence of the transition from college life to adulthood, making it relatable to a wide audience.

The film also explores different themes like friendship, love, dreams, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to carve one's path. It displays how each character comes into their own, learns from their experiences, and how their journey shapes them.

In conclusion, Dealing With Destiny is an engaging film that captures the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of entering adulthood. With a strong cast, picturesque scenery, and a compelling narrative, it wonderfully encapsulates the confusion that often comes with transition periods in life but also presents the bright and appealing side of embarking on new journeys. It reminds you that life, with its curveballs, is a beautiful voyage of discovering one's purpose and eventually dealing with one's destiny.