Pike River (film)

Last updated

Pike River
Directed by Robert Sarkies
Written by Fiona Samuel
Produced by
  • Vicky Pope
  • Timothy White
  • Robert Sarkies
Starring
CinematographyGin Loane
Edited byPeter Roberts
Music byKarl Sölve Steven
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
CountryNew Zealand
LanguageEnglish

Pike River is a 2025 New Zealand drama film. Directed by Robert Sarkies, it stars Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm.

Contents

Premise

Based on the Pike River Mine disaster of 2010, the story follows the subsequent, years-long battle for justice led by Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two friends whose respective husband and son—along with 27 other workers—were killed during an underground explosion.

Cast

Production

Pike River was shot on location in Greymouth, New Zealand, between November and December 2023. [1] [2] Speaking to Variety in May 2024, producer Vicky Pope described the film as " Erin Brockovich meets Norma Rae – New Zealand's own version, gutsy and real", and said of the casting, "We are so thrilled about the powerhouse partnership of [Lynskey] and [Malcolm] ... two incredible actresses playing two incredible women". [3]

Release

The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on 7 June 2025, ahead of its theatrical release in New Zealand later in the year. [4]

References

  1. Ritman, Alex (2 November 2023). "Production Underway for NZ Film Based on the Pike River Mine Tragedy". New Zealand Film Commission . Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  2. Simich, Ricardo (21 March 2024). "Pike River movie to star Robyn Malcom and Melanie Lynskey? - Spy". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  3. Ritman, Alex (9 May 2024). "Melanie Lynskey, Robyn Malcolm to Lead 'Pike River' Thriller About New Zealand Mining Disaster, Signature Launching Sales in Cannes (Exclusive)". Variety . Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  4. Copek, Caron (8 May 2025). "Pike River film to receive world premiere at Sydney Film Festival". Stuff . Retrieved 30 May 2025.