Backbencher

FR: Heavenly Creatures

This film is based on the true story of Pauline Rieper and Juliet Hulme set in Christchurch, New Zealand from 1952 to 1954. These two teenagers formed an intense and, some argued, an unhealthy friendship. They develop an odd relationship and are inseparable. The girls create their own imaginative world, called the fourth world, in which the two of them can escape the harsh realities of life. Their parents became concerned about the nature of this friendship and attempt to prevent Pauline and Juliet from seeing each other. The girls become desperate to avoid being separated, and they decide they will do anything they can to stay together. The film ends with the girls killing Pauline’s mother. The girls serve time, but are forbidden to see each other once they are released.

This was an intense and very thoughtful film. It was powerful, interesting, and frightening all at the same time. Fantasy plays a crucial role in this film, as it is up to the individual viewer to decide how psychotic Pauline and Juliet truly are. Certainly, these two are more at home living in a world apart from our own, where romance and happiness reign. The events that unfold in this film are not easily forgotten. The film showed some of the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Kate Winslet’s performance is notable, especially since this is her first movie. While the film is disturbing, and the murder scene is very gruesome, it is successful in maintaining a viewer’s attention.