Northspur

Okay, the reason for the 8 is I have never given a 10 for anything! This film is a great engaging story, with some awesome action scenes, great visuals and camera work. Casting was great, particularly Josh McKenzie as Kellan, who I feel carried the film. Was obviously great to see Marshall Napier, he really embodied the role of Summers. Nell Fisher as Tia was amazing. Such a young actor, and so talented. The setting was perfect for the post apocalyptic vibe, and the homes and cabins so well created and dressed. A very believable visual. I went into this film with the brief of being a harsh critic... Were there things I could be picky about? Yes. But only a couple of tiny things that in no way detracted from the film. I struggle with going to the cinema because as soon as I sit still I involuntarily fall asleep...but with this... I didn't struggle at any point! The genre of post apocalyptic survival has been done many times, but this felt fresh and exciting. Very enjoyable film, very believable characters, and great visuals. Well done!

Set in the stunning Nelson/Marlborough region of New Zealand, this "defend your turf", "family comes first", "where did he get a hand grenade from?" film is genuinely a good watch! With it's stunning backdrop, the cabin in the woods is a classic NZ shack that sees itself home to some quirky one liners and emotional interactions between some classic Australasian actors and some promising young talent. I found myself chuckling when I was meant to, gripped when I needed to be and in the most part, entertained the whole way through. I think this film is very well constructed and may well, in years to come, be a secret favourite amongst NZ film lovers. A must see to support independent film making! Congratulations to all involved.

While there were a few small holes in the plot, the movie overall is of exceptional quality, especially factoring in the tiny pool of talent it drew from (the top of the South Island NZ, there's not exactly a huge abundance of people to choose from here). The acting was very well done from both the major and minor characters, the humor was on point and not used too often, and the props and environmental design were quite impressive, especially, again, considering the budget and talent pool. All in all a very good watch and hopefully a snapshot of what's to come from the Top of the South film industry in the coming decades. Proud to be living in the region where this film was produced.

You wouldn't know this was a low budget movie as it draws you into an amazing cinematic experience from the start... It's a brilliant little gem of a Kiwi blockbuster with loads of clever photography .. As well as being really watchable; the writer Justin Eade creates dramatic tension in an instant which steadily increases right up to the end, where we are on the edge of our seats, rooting for our favourite characters to survive... There are some lovely grounded performances too from well known seasoned Kiwi actors mixed with a smattering of raw new talent: all helping to create a convincing and realistic tale of faith, strength, humanity and survival against all odds.

Whilst the truly epic shots of country emphasising the vast backdrop of a world lost to civilisation, Director Aaron Falvey manages to create a taunt thriller where moral questions arise .Is survival just for the fittest?

Would you survive?

You must see Northspur. An all round thrilling experience. Not for the faint hearted...and not to be missed.

Northspur is hands down a quality tribute to the spirit of independent film making; the story is unique and fresh, full of action and tension. And its plentiful charm is that it's surprisingly thoughtful, and left me thinking back over various moments for days afterwards; what else can one want from a movie that it leaves wonderful memories?

The performances from the lead actors are rich and spot on, as their deeply practical view of a world gone mad intersects and sometimes collides with a younger generations optimism for a more harmonious future.

Ive been making and enjoying films for 4 decades, and I've never been privileged to see a more unforgettably poignant moment in cinema than when Marshal Napier's character concludes his role with a beautiful smile and leaves the screen, in this case forever, as very sadly he passed away just before Northspur/Battle Cabin was released; a fine conclusion to a lifetimes work.

Call it Northspur down under, or Battle Cabin elsewhere, this is a sweetheart of a story, masquerading as an action piece, and not to be overlooked.

A modest budget accomplishment from real film makers, Northspur / Battle Cabin punches way above its weight.