(Disclosure: I personally know the director, but was not in any way involved in the production of this film)
Aside from having the most excellent title* Doug Dillaman's long awaited first feature Jake is lively, thought-provoking cinema, and at the better end of the New Zealand movies I have seen. This dark-edged comedy —whose edge transitions eventually into its centre—details the story of a listless man in his 30s who suddenly finds himself 'replaced' and has to come to terms with his situation in the best way he can.
Well written and paced the film maintains a good momentum even as its narrative/tonal structure morphs beneath your feet. The production is visually engaging with a range interesting POVs and camera movement that works well and reflects the director's cinematic interests (Sorrentino anyone?) The cast almost uniformly displays decent chops with Jacob/VJ (Jason Fitch) in particular engendering more than the level of empathy demanded by the film's narrative. Comic relief character 'D'—genre trope staple 'the amusing/wise stoner' (e.g. Fran Kranz's Marty from The Cabin in the Woods —is both well penned and very well acted by Tainui Tukiwaho who evinces the perfect casually absurd tone which counterpoints what's happening around him. If there's one character that jarred a little for me it was that of the acting coach Stefan (Campbell Cooley). Stefan is played a little OTT which, although it services the comedic aspect of the film somewhat—e.g. Stefan directly addresses an acting fault which he is displaying—it is difficult to tell how intentional this is, and if so whether this distracts more than it adds.
The soundtrack on the film is pretty standout. A lot of local/indie artists (I think?) with some nice tunes and a bunch of excellent, slightly dissonant soundscapes ushering in or underscoring shots within scenes. Jake displays a polish and assurance quite impressive for a first feature and all on an insanely modest budget. Thumbs up to Doug and the Hybrid team! I hope many of you end up with a chance of seeing the film.
*Actually it is a bit weird having your name repeated SO many times in relatively quick succession but I guess that minor piece of induced paranoia is not something 99.9% of audiences will need worry about!
