CHASING COMETS

Australia, 2018, 90 minutes, Colour.
Dan Ewing, Isabel Lucas, Kirsty Lee Allen, John Batchelor, Alistair Bates, Peter Phelps, George Houvardas.
Directed by Jason Perini.


This is a slight but pleasantly enjoyable slice of life set in the New South Wales town of Wagga. There is a focus on football, the rivalry between NRL and AFL. The hero of the film is a rugby man and his best friend plays Australian rules.

The central character Base, is played by Dan Ewing (Occupation) who has to go through various personal crises as the football season approaches. He is in love with Brook (Isabel Lucas) but has the reputation of a man about town and falls out with her. He clashes with his friends.

Interestingly, some religious themes and in when Chases at his lowest ebb and encounters quite a religious character, the F and his daughter, with Chase going to church and, reforming his ways, making a vow of celibacy which, of course, captures the headlines.

So, partly expected plot lines but with some unexpected variations.

1. A film from and about Wagga? A glimpse of life in New South Wales? Football life? Town life? Personal lives?

2. The title, Chase as the hero, his belonging to the football team, Rugby League, the Comets?

3. The scenes in Wagga, the country town, homes, football clubs, bars, football matches, media commentary? The musical score?

4. Audience interest in Rugby League? And the competitiveness with Australian Rules? Chase representing one, his close friend the other? Scenes of training, the coaches, the dressing rooms, pep talks, matches, victories and defeats?

5. Chase’s story, his relationship with Brooke, the tension, her backing away, her catching him with the girl at the club? At home, his mother? Talking with his friend and his sexual prowess? His not doing well at the club, in the matches, something having to change?

6. The car breaking down, the Rev and his colourful background, the group and the Bible discussion, Chase and his friend going in, the friend and his scepticism about church and religion? The talk on mercy and forgiveness?

7. Chase, going back to church, the sermons, the Rev and his daughter and her dislike of the friend, fixing the car? Supporting Chase? The effect of religion, the other members of football club laughing at him, provoking?

8. The preoccupation with sex amongst the footballers, explicit jokes, the innuendo throughout the film? Chase and his celibacy, becoming a newspaper headline?

9. Chase and his approach to Brooke, her considering him again, not?

10. The changing fortunes in the club, the improved playing, the wins?

11. The sponsor and his listening to the matches in the diner, the Chinese background, his conversations, ultimate victory?

12. The film star, from Wagga, his vanity, his brother coaching the AFL, the bet? The improvement in the Rugby League competition, the film star present? His victory, his brother prepared to honour the bet, run through the town nude, his admitting he had seen his brother’s films, their both running?

13. The Rugby League Coach, his exasperation, choices, ultimate victory?

14. Chase, success in play, his reputation, church, the Rev and his daughter – their bonding, the marriage?

15. A modest slice of New South Wales country town life?