We Were Dangerous

Last updated
We Were Dangerous
Directed byJosephine Stewart-Te Whiu
Screenplay byMaddie Dai
Produced by
  • Morgan Waru
  • Polly Fryer
Starring
CinematographyMaría Inés Manchego
Edited by
Music byCam Ballantyne
Production
companies
Distributed byMadman Entertainment
Release date
  • March 8, 2024 (2024-03-08)(SXSW)
Running time
82 minutes
Countries
  • New Zealand
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

We Were Dangerous is an 2024 New Zealand-American drama film, directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by Maddie Dai. It stars Rima Te Wiata, Erana James, Nathalie Morris and Manaia Hall. Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal serve as an executive producer. [1]

Contents

It had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 8, 2024.

Premise

In 1954 New Zealand, Nellie and Daisy attempt to escape an institution for delinquent girls; however, not only are they caught, it triggers a relocation to a facility on a remote island. The duo become a trio as well-to-do Lou joins them, and life on the island takes shape under the command of devout Matron. The trio rail against the system, dubious of the benevolence of the bible and taking refuge in their blossoming friendship. It’s hard to reform girls who don’t believe they need reforming. However, a sense of doom settles in when experimental forms of punishment take place in the dead of night. Nellie and Daisy plot rebellion, but unexpectedly find themselves at odds with Lou, who is afraid to break the rules.

Cast

Release

The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 8, 2024. [2] [3] It also screened at BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival on March 21, 2024. [4] [5] Madman Entertainment will distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia. [6]

Reception

Critical reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 100% of 7 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.00/10. [7]

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References

  1. Mass, Jennifer (March 22, 2024). "'We Were Dangerous' Team on How New Zealand's Early 20th Century Eugenics Movement Inspired Sterilization Plot in Taika Waititi-Produced SXSW Film". Variety . Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  2. "We Were Dangerous". South by Southwest . Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  3. Bergeson, Samantha (January 10, 2024). "SXSW 2024 Lineup: '3 Body Problem' Premiere to Open Fest, 'The Fall Guy' Set for Centerpiece Screening, and More". IndieWire . Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  4. "We Were Dangerous". British Film Institute . Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  5. "38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival full programme announced". British Film Institute . February 13, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  6. Tyson, Jessica (January 12, 2024). "New movie We Were Dangerous by Waru filmmaker Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu and Taika Waititi to premiere in Texas". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  7. "We Were Dangerous". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved March 25, 2024.