Tan Lines

Stealing themes from several iconic movies including Great Expectations and My Own Private Idaho and with a talking statue of the Virgin Mary and a talking picture of Pope John Paul II, Tan Lines is one riddle of a film. Contrasting heavy themes with plain weirdness, director Ed Aldridge gives us the story of Midget Hollows (Jack Baxter), a gay surfer boy growing up in a going nowhere town in Australia. When Midget's best friend Dan's (Jed Clarke) brother Cass (Daniel O'Leary) returns to town after a four year absence, the two start a secretive love affair that launches questions about Cass's disappearance and Midget's own identity. Tan Lines is an exceptionally odd film, with many faults yes, but is utterly engaging thanks to the real connection (and great acting) of Baxter and O'Leary. And with the surreal Miss McQuillan (Theresa Kompara) and her niece, Alice (Lucy Minter) storyline aside, works to show us the trials and trials of growing up gay in nowhere-ville. Had it a better title, my guess is this little gem would have done better everywhere.

My rating 8 out of 10.