Swinging Safari

Swinging Safari is a vibrant Australian comedy-drama film released in 2018 and directed by Stephan Elliott. The film features an ensemble cast including international stars Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue, and Jesse Denyer. Set in the 1970s, the film beautifully encapsulates the joyful chaos and candid simplicity of the era. It boasts an artistic blend of comedy, drama, and nostalgia that sets the stage for a ride back in time to a seaside town in Australia, filled with heart-warming nostalgia, reminiscent of a time when life was simpler, yet equally as chaotic.

The film primarily revolves around three suburban couples who live in an apparently peaceful and well-ordered neighborhood. An adult narrator, Jeff Marsh masterfully played by Atticus Robb, tells the story of these three families from his past, highlighting the events that shaped his childhood and ignited his passion for filmmaking. Each family is quirky and eccentric in their own distinct way, making for a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, each brought to life with engaging performances from the ensemble cast.

Guy Pearce, playing Keith Hall, is a connoisseur of fine wines and the father of Jo-Jo, played by Darcey Wilson, whose relationship with their pet dog triggers a surreal sequence of events. While Kylie Minogue and Jesse Denyer play Gale and Rick Jones, a couple who have their own unique challenges raising a son who is devoted to a life below sea level in their backyard pool. Then there’s the Marsh family, led by Ash and Kaye Marsh played by Julian McMahon and Radha Mitchell, attempting to engage their teenage son into sporting pursuits, much against his will.

The narrative truly kicks in when a 200-ton blue whale washes up on the local beach, an event that creates a wave of excitement and wonder within the community, but also serves as an ominous symbol of the turmoil to come. This extraordinary event not only causes a sensation in the coastal town but also serves as a catalyst that sends the seemingly serene neighborhood into a whirlwind of hilarious, chaotic, and occasionally inappropriate adventures, thoroughly reflecting the wild spirit of the 70s era.

As the adults grapple with their evolving relationships amidst a tempestuous cocktail party known as a 'swinging safari', their children are left to navigate the landscape of their own innocent adventures and teenage dramas. In doing so, they learn a few life lessons about friendship, first loves, and growing up, which adds a layer of depth and poignancy to the overall narrative.

The mellow voiceover of the protagonist and the creative use of super 8 home video footage further enhances the nostalgic value of the film. The vibrant color palette along with the intricate set and costume designs all add to the immersive 70s experience, coupled with a masterfully curated soundtrack featuring some of the iconic pop charts of that era.

Swinging Safari is a delightfully raucous, vibrant, and lively depiction of the 1970s suburban Australian culture. It is peppered with comedic episodes, dramatic moments, and an unabashed reflection of an era marked by bold changes. It offers a platform for each actor to perform at their best and completely own their eccentric characters.

While at first glance the movie may present itself as a comedy of nostalgia, at its heart Swinging Safari is a poignant reflection on adolescence, growing up, and how the follies, fantasies, and mistakes of the older generation can shape the youth. It strikes a perfect balance of nostalgic humor, heartening drama, and the freedom of youth. Irreverent yet touching, it is a love letter to simpler times, portraying the genuine happiness and pangs of growing up against the backdrop of a time that was notorious for its lack of subtlety. Swinging Safari is an unforgettable trip down memory lane for some, while for others it’s an amusingly shocking exposition of life in the 'wild’ 70's.