The Rage in Placid Lake

The Rage in Placid Lake is a 2003 Australian comedy-drama film, directed by Tony McNamara and based on his play of the same name. The film stars relative newcomer Jordan Brooking in a small role, Ben Lee as the title character, and Rose Byrne as the female lead, Gemma Taylor.

The film opens up against the backdrop of Placid Lake's (Ben Lee) arduous journey through high school. As you may have guessed from his name, Placid Lake is not your stereotypical teenage angst-ridden protagonist. Raised by unconventional, bohemian parents, Placid Lake is a highly perceptive, intelligent, and eccentric young man whose witty sarcasm and unique worldview significantly offset him from his peers.

Throughout high school, Placid suffers an array of bullying and mockery due to his non-conformist demeanour, eccentric lifestyle and unique personality, solidified by his idiosyncratic dress sense and his ability to stick to his convictions, regardless of the hostility they may engender. However, Placid’s loyal friend Gemma Taylor (Rose Byrne), another social outcast, remains by his side through thick and thin.

One of the vital transitional moments arrives when Placid unexpectedly falls off the roof of the school after a theatrical performance, leading to a considerable epiphany in his life. When he comes out of a two-week coma, Placid decides that he is done being unique and wants a taste of the "normal" life—anthonymous imagined, known and accepted by society.

Enter the world of corporate insurance, where Placid dons a business suit and starts working at an insurance company headed by the father of his high school nemesis. Herein lies the satirical humour and irony of the film—a young man with the zest for being a free-thinking individual attempts to conform himself into the mundane, monotonous, highly systematic corporate work culture.

Simultaneously, Gemma (Rose Byrne) is trying to decipher and understand Placid’s sudden transformation. Is his newfound quest for normalcy purely a ruse, or has Placid truly given up on seeing life through his unique perspective? Unable to comprehend Placid's unexpected transition, Byrne's character strives to uphold the semblance of their unusual relationship.

Then there are Placid's parents, played adroitly by Miranda Richardson and Garry McDonald. With their unconditional love and relentless embracement of nonconformity, they now face confusion and disappointment with their son's current pursuit of the mundane life.

The brilliance of The Rage in Placid Lake lies in its ability to blend dry wit, sparkling dialogue, and sharp commentaries on social norms and stifling conformity in a coherent and engaging narrative, all the while assuring that the heart of the story—the lives and trials of its compelling characters—is never lost. While the theme of teenage rebellion against societal norms is not exactly new, it’s the treatment of the subject and the depth of the characters that sets the film apart.

Ben Lee, primarily known for his music career before this film, impressively made the leap to acting in this debut lead role, and offers audiences an eccentric, sarcastic, and ultimately touching performance. Rose Byrne gives another sterling show, embodying the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability that her character requires.

The Rage in Placid Lake is a quirky and poignant exploration into adolescence, familial bonds, friendship, rebellion, self-identity, and the search for “…normality.” With its standout performances, nuanced characterisations and sophisticated humour, it’s a movie that will resonate with anyone who’s ever grappled with the concept of conformity or the incessant need to fit into societal norms. This is a must-watch for those who can appreciate a smart, well-written narrative with a healthy serving of sharp wit and a side of absorbing drama.