Streamline

Streamline is such an impressive and captivating film. Easily the best Australian film I've seen in years. This is a coming of age film about a young swimmer that defies all the cliches of the genre. Levi Miller's performance as Ben is amazing; so much is said with so few words and he never betrays the role. Ben leaps off the screen and my concern for his welfare left me holding my breath for most of the film. Jason Isaacs is Ben's estranged father whose release from prison prompts Ben's world to suddenly overwhelm him. The movie unfolds beautifully, with incredibly natural performances that anchor it firmly among the best Australian films. The photography is brilliantly understated, supporting and never distracting from the story. The sound is similarly masterfully used. Tyson Wade Johnston, the writer and director, is so effortlessly confident that it's almost incredible this is his feature debut. Highly recommended.

Throughout this film, I had to keep asking myself, "Why bother?" The acting is competent. The production values are adequate for the job. But the script is sadly wanting. The adjectives that come to mind are: predictable, tedious, labored, timid, muddled. I can only hope that the writer meant to do better but felt constrained. If this film is the result of an unconstrained talent, there is much to lament.

What posesses many modern directors to so underlight films it is often impossible to see what is happening on screen! Even in daylight scenes the picture is dark and gloomy. Poor Levi starring as evil in his last film (total miscasting of such a face as demonish) and now a story where characters cannot be seen clearly- not the way to go!

Gritty movie showing a true side of Australian teenage turmoil in combining sport with life. Johnston drew from personal experience both being an Australian and his experience in competitive swimming as a teenager. Levi Miller portrayed the role beautifully and the cast showed a very accurate portrayal of Australian life for many. Loved it.

Actors and characters with zero personality or emotional connection, makes non engaging viewing. Australia desperately needs to do better, especially with selecting and casting its actors. Are they told to be bland and scripted?