The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, a 2009 documentary film, is an unforgettable dive into the lives of New Zealand's most recognisable comedic and singing sister duo, Jools and Lynda Topp. The documentary is a heartfelt homage to their extraordinary journey conquering not only their homeland but also the world with their unique blend of song, satire, yodeling, and advocacy.

Directed by Leanne Pooley, the film is a character-driven treasure, painting an insightful and deeply engaging portrait of two cultural icons, who've been defined by their irreverent humour, disarmingly honest personalities, and deeply held political convictions.

From the sheep shearing sheds in rural New Zealand to their remarkable successes on the global stage, The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls unfolds the roots of the sisters' love for music, performance, laughter, and each other. Their passion for living life authentically and unashamedly on their own terms shines through every scene and reverb of their contagiously unique brand of comedic country music.

The film seamlessly weaves a narrative tapestry combining the clever humour and charismatic performances that made the twins famous, with archival footage and intimate interviews that reveal the fascinating, lesser-known aspects of their life stories. The documentary captures these personalities in their purest form, allowing the audience to delve into the warmth, wit, and resilience of these unstoppable sisters.

Making their name in the 1980s, the Topp Twins found fame through their uncanny ability to resonate with audiences on both small and large scales, spanning through the socio-cultural divides and political landscapes of New Zealand. Throughout the film, the twins' commitment to societal equality and justice shines through. They've consistently used their platform to advocate for human rights issues, particularly advancing LGBTQ+ rights, being openly gay themselves.

Undeniably, their yodeling ditties and knee-slapping comedy routines are delightful, but The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls also showcases their tenacity in the face of adversity. The film touches on their upbringing in a conservative ranching family, their humble beginnings as buskers, and later, their struggles against cancer, revealing the grit underlying their infectious charm.

Juxtaposing their infectious performances with candid moments, the movie serves as a poignant exploration of their journey as artists and activists underpinned by a heart-warming and even tear-jerking narrative about sisterly love. Personal interviews with their supportive parents and clips from their beloved television shows, allow audiences an unprecedented insight into their lives beyond the stage.

One of the standout aspects of The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is that while it is a documentary about two famous performers, it never limits itself to their professional lives. Instead, it offers a balanced and nuanced examination of both their personal and public lives. The documentary is a chronicle of an enduring love between two sisters, their bond through trials, setbacks, triumphs, and their undying commitment to spreading laughter, music, and equality in the world around them.

Featuring significant contributions from friends, family members, and collaborators such as Paul Horan, the film creates a vivid, colourful and deeply human portrait of the Topp Twins. The director, Leanne Pooley, excels in her expert storytelling and nuanced exploration of the twins' narrative. She masterfully crafts a story that transcends the boundaries of comedy, music, and activism to become a success story about individuality, authenticity, and the power of laughter, love, and song.

The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls presents a sheer celebration of the resilience and spirit of these remarkable women. It carries an emotional resonance that will strike a chord with audiences worldwide, be they fans of comedy, music, or just compelling human stories. Resisting categorisation and redefining the image of feminism with their bracingly authentic personas, the Topp Twins embody the spirit of overcoming odds with authenticity, humour, and unwavering optimism.

In essence, The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is a warm, engaging, and deeply inspiring documentary that champions laughter, love, uninhibited authenticity, and the power of being utterly and unapologetically oneself. Whether or not one is familiar with the Topp Twins, they will undoubtedly be entertained and moved by their story. One may find themselves singing along, tearing up, or just cheering for these two incredible women, who've made the world a better place by filling it with laughter, love, and music – becoming 'untouchable' in the process. For anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally resonant documentary, this film is a "must-see".