The Changeover is a 2017 New Zealand coming-of-age fantasy horror film. Directed by Miranda Harcourt and her husband, Stuart McKenzie,[2] it is based on the 1984 young adult novel of the same name by Margaret Mahy. Starring Timothy Spall, Melanie Lynskey, Lucy Lawless, Nicholas Galitzine and Erana James, it was released in New Zealand on 28 September 2017, followed by a limited theatrical run in the United States on 22 February 2019. The film received positive reviews from critics.[3]
| The Changeover | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster (U.S.) | |
| Directed by | Miranda Harcourt Stuart McKenzie |
| Written by | Stuart McKenzie |
| Produced by | Emma Slade Richard Fletcher Caroline Hutchison John McKenzie |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Andrew Stroud |
| Edited by | Dan Kircher |
| Music by | Andrew Thomas |
Production company | Firefly Films |
| Distributed by | Radiant Films International |
Release dates | 28 September 2017 (NZ) 22 February 2019 (U.S.) |
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $112,749[1] |
Premise
editTeenaged Laura (Erana James), a strong-willed schoolgirl with a rare psychic gift, finds herself drawn into a terrifying battle when her baby brother falls under the curse of a human-guzzling demon (Timothy Spall). With their distraught mother (Melanie Lynskey) watching helplessly as her son's life is drained out of him bit by bit, Laura must learn to harness her mystical powers to vanquish the malevolent force, save her brother, and make peace with her true identity.
Cast
edit- Timothy Spall as Carmody Braque / David
- Melanie Lynskey as Kate Chant
- Lucy Lawless as Miryam Carlisle
- Nicholas Galitzine as Sorensen Carlisle
- Erana James as Laura Chant
- Kate Harcourt as Winter Carlisle
- Benji Purchase as Jacko Chant
- Thomasin McKenzie as Rose Keaton
Production
editThe film was shot in Christchurch over a five-week period in the latter half of 2016.[2]
Release and reception
editThe Changeover was released theatrically in New Zealand on 28 September 2017, grossing $112,749 during its run.[1] It was generally well received by critics,[3] with Stuff's Sarah Watt commending its "suitably New Zealand" feel and the filmmakers' decision to shoot in the red zone of Christchurch.[4] Writing for RogerEbert.com, Matt Zoller Seitz called it "a perfect genre film", noting that "every role is perfectly cast", while also praising the writing, direction, and cinematography.[5] In a similarly warm appraisal, the Los Angeles Times described it as "an astute adaptation [of Mahy's novel], balancing magical arcana with everyday adolescent turmoil";[6] while Slant Magazine's Keith Watson felt that, despite some narrative flaws, it was a "lively and engaging excursion into an unusually naturalistic world of magic".[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "The Changeover (2017)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ a b Croot, James (10 November 2016). "Christchurch 'looks amazing' in The Changeover footage, says Miranda Harcourt". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ a b "The Changeover". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Watt, Sarah (30 September 2017). "The Changeover: Supernaturally set in a city we can relate to". Stuff. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Seitz, Matt Zoller (21 February 2019). "Reviews: The Changeover". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Murray, Noel (21 February 2019). "Review: 'The Changeover' brings YA fantasy magically to life". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Watson, Keith (17 February 2019). "Review: The Changeover Enjoyably Pinballs Between Disparate Fantasy Styles". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
