Review of 2:37 (2006) by Joshua G — 05 Sep 2007

It's incredibly gracious, but for an aspiring Aussie filmaker to produce feats like film festival selections and financing for the film itself, I gave it 3. The high-school suicide themed flick isn't rated 'R' for nothing, but don't let that put you off.

While it's unapologetically ripping off the camera styles that made so many critics applaud Gus Van Sant's 'Elephant', it still seems to suit the films plot. Interweaving through the lives of the teenagers and what happens to be some decent writing and character development, you still can't help feeling your watching a student film.

Unfortunately, the possible 'glorification of suicide' undertones in the closing scenees may find some people feeling cheated. In all honesty, regardless for me, the ending was still a shocking tragedy and I was impressed by it's effectiveness.

Clementine Mellor's smaller and brief performance is quite understated. Teresa Palmer too is a wonderful newcomer to the screen and has a very non-showy ability to hold the screen. It's sad the film, which managed a release and is now on DVD is still rated 'R' as the age group which needs to see this film the most is senior high schools around the country.