Juniper

Juniper is a film about the unlikely bond between a troubled teenager and his estranged grandmother, set in rural New Zealand in the 1990s. The film is driven by the superb performance of Charlotte Rampling as Ruth, a former war photographer who has become an alcoholic recluse with a sharp tongue and a dark past. George Ferrier plays Sam, her grandson who is sent to live with her after being suspended from school for self-harm. The two clash at first, but gradually find solace and healing in each other's company.

The film is not without flaws. The plot relies on some contrived devices and coincidences, and some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. The tone shifts between comedy and tragedy, sometimes awkwardly. However, the film also has moments of beauty and poignancy, especially when it explores Ruth's backstory and Sam's inner turmoil. The cinematography captures the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, creating a contrast between nature and human suffering.

Juniper is both a coming-of-age film and an end-of-the-line film. It shows how life can be cruel and unpredictable, but also worth living. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is worth watching for Rampling's captivating presence.

It's a relationship drama set in New Zealand in the mid-1990s. It follows a troubled teenager still reeling from his mother's death from cancer and alienated from his father and grandmother.

Sam Stevenson (George Ferrier) is a teenage boy placed in a boarding school by his father, Robert (Marton Csokas), soon after the death of Sam's mother. Sam feels abandoned and has acted out his frustration in various ways. Robert brings Sam home from school when Robert's mother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling), comes from England to recuperate from a fall and a slow-healing broken leg. Ruth was a famed wartime photographer but has alienated her son and grandson for years. Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor) accompanies Ruth to New Zealand. Sarah, a devout Catholic, hopes to save Ruth from her heavy drinking (a bottle of gin daily) and alienating personality.

The film follows Sam's relationship with his grandmother, especially when Robert leaves for England to look after some of his wealthy mother's estate issues. We learn more about Sam's trauma around his mother's death and the reasons for Ruth's alienation from her only son. We also understand the real reason Ruth came to New Zealand.

"Juniper," which gets its name from a key ingredient in gin, is a film about life and death and the healing of family relationships. It is not maudlin and features excellent performances by Ferrier and Rampling. A few scenes stretch credulity, including the logistics of managing Ruth's last decision. A white horse plays a crucial role in the story. In sum, "Juniper" is an outstanding film.

The movie is set in stunning New Zealand. We meet troubled teenager Sam (George Ferrier). Sam has returned from boarding school and is struggling to accept the sudden presence of his English alcoholic grandmother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling) in his home, after breaking her leg. The pair get off to a rough start, however, as time goes on he realises they have more in common than he first believed. This is a nice story about life, family and love. And the acting of both George Ferrier and Charlotte Rampling is so good. You really get carried away in their story and in the movie. The cinematography is excellent, captivating the greenery and natural beauty of New Zealand and the sun-rises they spent together. The colour scheme mostly feels wintery and cold, pointing to some of the dark but real themes the film showcases. The dialogue is well considered, humorous and realistic. Talented newcomer, Sam Ferrier, and screen icon, Charlotte Rampling work impressively together to create a credible bond that will draw you in. This is a very touching movie and focusses on the hardships of life and the lessons we can learn no matter what age. This is a movie well worth watching.

Greetings again from the darkness. A tale as old as time. No, this first feature film from writer-director Matthew J Seville is not a new spin on 'Beauty and the Beast', however it is a story that has a familiar feel, and one made more meaningful through terrific acting and expert cinematography. We are engaged through characters rather than plot, and in fact, we grow to care about two of these people after initially finding both a bit abrasive.

Charlotte Rampling stars as Ruth, aging mom to Robert (an underutilized Marton Csokas). The two have never been especially close as Ruth's career as a war photographer allowed her to escape traditional parental duties. With a recent broken leg set in a cast and brace, Ruth finds her wings clipped and Robert senses an opportunity. By moving Ruth into the house during recovery, he can have his son, Sam (George Ferrier), help Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor). Sam is a party boy recently expelled from his boarding school and wants nothing to do with the convalescing grandmother he barely knows.

Dad's ulterior motive gets off to a rough start. Both Ruth and Sam are hard-headed and rebellious. In fact, it's these traits that end up drawing them closer. Ruth seems to survive on her all day gin-binges as her vile vocal spewings are those of a woman whose world has shrunk to the point of feeling captive. Sam is one who doesn't take direction well as he tries to hide his depression and grief driven by the death of his mother. Adding to this mess is Nurse Sarah's consistent attempts to inject some religion into Ruth before the bell tolls.

What we have is self-destruction times two. Ruth and Sam are rude and self-centered, and those shared traits end up thawing the icy relationship and improving their much different circumstances. George Ferrier is a relative newcomer from New Zealand, and he has the looks and on-screen charm to build a nice career. Of course, Charlotte Rampling is in her seventh decade of acting, and she instinctively knows how far she can push this character and still keep us engaged. It's a terrific performance that probably deserved an Oscar nomination. The cinematography of Marty Williams works in the enclosed spaces of the house, as well as the beautiful landscape when the characters head outdoors. Some of the scenes may be a bit too much 'on the nose', but the humor and acting allows for the desired impact.

Opens February 24, 2023.

We've seen this dynamic many times over the years and while the setup is familiar, it's all about how a director handles the material and he does so with grace and charm.

Charlotte Rampling commands the stage as a grandmother who comes home to heal from a leg injury. A drinker and distant from her son Robert who promptly leaves to settle affairs in the UK. She's brutally honest and let's people know she will not be pushed around. But you learn about her slowly over the course of the film and why she is in her ways atm.

She immediately clashes with her angry grandson who was just suspended from school and is cooped up at home with a grandmother he's not met until now. George Ferrier equally matches her fiery performance as the angry youth. Depressed and suicidal, he is Unable to deal with his mothers death, until he receives some well deserved tough love from grandmother. The events play out in a laid back fashion and done with I feel a sense of realism. The topics presented like grief, aging, coming of age feel natural here and there's no stupid comedy section presented for laughs. I could see this going the opposite way if this were an American production for sure with heavy handed speeches and cliched ending.

All around a wholesome film made with heart, a fine watch.