Review by andrewbunney

My recommendation from the Iranian FF of Australia 2023 is this sweet, inventive film, riffing off the French New Wave (Godard, Truffaut, Varda...). Set in a gorgeous port town just out of Tehran, an actor and actress are brought together during casting for a mainstream film. They don't get the roles, but decide to make their own film. The pair become a threesome when they meet cameraman and director, Ziya, and the enchanting adventure begins. There's a joyride with a heist and a celebration of friendship and film. The cinematography is always interesting and often magnificent, with the shipyards' decrepit, giant boats looming over the scenes. The soundtrack is provided by live performances on ukulele ("Shut that bloody bazouki up!"), harmonica, saxophone and recorded music from car stereos. Dark Matter is a highly contemporary piece; self-aware, nostalgic, anarchic, artful, often humourous (also pretentious and silly) but sweet, fun & sincere.