Memorable, crazy movie

Absolutely Fantastic

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

This is a great movie for young people, particularly young woman, showing a strong female lead, who stands up in the face of great uncertainty and pressure. Beautifully shot and acted by both Kiwi and overseas cast members. Timothy Spall, is pure evil as the male lead, sending shivers down the spine, as he sets about manipulating the innocent, but he meets his match in our female hero. Great to see it heading to Rome for a festival. Based on Margaret Mahy's book that won the prestigious Carnegie Medal.

The Changover is a refreshing young adult film with its relatable portrayal of Laura (the main character), family dynamics and of post-earthquake Christchurch. What stuck out for me is that this film isn't condescending towards teenagers, like many are of the same genre. Instead The Changeover shows how many New Zealand teens live and what things place importance in their lives. What also makes the film so special is the great sound track and cinematography which beautifully mirrors the characters and plot. I would highly recommend The Changeover to both young adults, parents and families.

Mum and I a bit jolted by The Changeover - this was a pretty classy film I thought. Especially loved the soundtrack but the performances crackled too, along with some fantastic imaging. It made for a compelling viewing experience. Erana James is staunch as, playing Laura (def one to watch for in the future as is The Inland Road's Gloria Popata) and a nice contemporary touch with the setting and the scripting too.Masterful storytelling by award-winning young peoples author Margaret Mahy (Carnegie Medal winner and Hans Christian Anderson Award fellow) has been adapted and contemporised and shot against the backdrop of a post-earthquake Christchurch which suits perfectly with the upheaval in the story. All navigated with seeming ease by the film's young heroine. Take a dive into a slightly different world view...

Margaret Mahy's young adult novel THE CHANGEOVER was a central text in my teenage years. I loved it as a bildungsroman that was laden with both mystery and romance, intertwining the supernatural with the ordinary life of a girl in my own country, New Zealand. Thus I approached the film version with some trepidation - what if the movie didn't catch the essence of that beloved tale?I need not have worried. THE CHANGEOVER is a terrific film: spooky and atmospheric, well-paced and beautifully shot. It does not slavishly adhere to Mahy's text, but makes changes that add drama and ambiguity, giving the story additional texture and emotional resonance. The Christchurch location is inspired; the story plays out in a place that needs no special effects to look desolate or threatening as required. The young actors in the lead roles are terrific, and the supporting cast are likewise strong. Timothy Spall's spooky stranger will haunt your dreams... Yet the film also manages to contain humour and humanity, never 'trying too hard' to achieve its effect. Director Miranda Harcourt and her crew have a light touch with some heavy subject matter, and the film rises like a bubble above the usual predictable jump-scares of many spooky stories. THE CHANGEOVER is a tribute to Mahy's original novel, but it is also a great movie in its own right. Huge congratulations to all involved. Highly recommended.