Scarfies

Scarfies is a fine piece of New Zealand cinema released in 1999, directed by Robert Sarkies and featuring a talented cast including the performances of Willa O'Neill, Neill Rea, and Ashleigh Seagar. This black comedic thriller dives into the lives of five university students who stumble upon an unplowed gold mine, a circumstance that spirals out into an unexpected chain of events that test the limits of their morality and survival instincts.

The title "Scarfies" is a local slang term used in New Zealand to refer to Students at the University of Otago in Dunedin, a city in the southeastern part of the country. The movie accurately captures the slacker culture in the university town of Dunedin, a city famous for its castle-stone buildings, hilly terrains and boisterous student culture.

The story unfolds when these "scarfie" students: Alex (Neill Rea), Emma (Willa O'Neill), Scott (Ashleigh Seagar), Nicole (Taika Waititi), and Graham (Charlie Bleakley), discover an abandoned house that they decide to move into. Eager to escape their mundane lives of university accommodation, they see this discovery as a golden opportunity to live rent-free. Their new home shapes up as the perfect den for them to continue their party-fuelled student lifestyle while at the same time, pursuing their individual ambitions.

The plot takes a dark and unexpected turn when they make another discovery - a vast hydroponics operation hidden within their newfound property. Unknown to them, the plantation left behind by previous tenants is exceptionally valuable. Unwilling to report their findings to the police due to the free housing stakes at risk, they find it an easy step to compromise their lucrative discovery in return for leaving them in peace. Little do they know that their decision would lead them into uncharted territory and confrontation with unseen forces.

Emma and Alex take up the daunting mantle of running the operations and adopt the role of surrogate parents amongst the group of friends. They all soon find themselves grappling with situations they had never anticipated. The comedy in Scarfies evolves naturally from this situation, extending from the wild student antics to the ensuing chaos that results as these powered-up 'farmers' get embroiled deeper into New Zealand's criminal underworld, trying to stake their claim.

Willa O'Neill stands out with a powerful and gripping performance as Emma. The character's transformation as the story unfolds is nothing short of striking, showcasing the actress's range and talent. Neill Rea delivers a strong performance too; O'Neil and Rae with their believable chemistry, effectively portray the dire challenges their characters face as they struggle to navigate through their precarious situation.

However, the real breakout performance is from Ashleigh Seagar, who manifests the character of Scott with a dark charm and impending sense of doom. Despite being a part of the fun-loving student group, Seagar brilliantly unearths the hints of paranoia that lie smothered beneath his character's calm exterior, contributing a layer of unease to the otherwise comedic fabric of the plot.

Sarkies' direction highlights the beautiful landscapes and undertones of Dunedin, juxtaposing the light-hearted "scarfie" culture against the grim reality lurking beneath the city's picturesque facades. The film effectively captures the contrast between the students' typical day-to-day life filled with parties and lectures, and their night-time adventures where they navigate tension-filled yet comical encounters with the local gangsters. The escalating tension weaves a thrilling tale of underdogs biting off more than they can chew.

Scarfies is an energetic and unique mix of comedy and thriller, effortlessly switched back and forth, tied together by an overarching theme of making choices, dealing with the consequences and fighting for survival. It's a university life experience that you won't forget, where morality is measured against the lure of easy money, the element of risk and the desperate attempt to hold onto their found bounty leads to edge-of-the-seat moments.

Ultimately, Scarfies is a must-watch if you enjoy films that blend dark humor with suspense while retaining a unique cultural identity. Its engrossing story, well-fleshed characters, polished direction and excellent performances make it a memorable addition to New Zealand cinema. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster ride as the initially comedic and fun-filled journey unravels into a tense edge-of-your seat thriller.