GARY OF THE PACIFIC

New Zealand, 2017, 85 minutes, Colour.
Josh Thomson, Megan Stevenson, Matt Whelan, David Fane, Taofi Mose- Tuiloma, Dominic Ona Ariki.
Directed by Jarrold Holt, Ryan Hutchings.


This is an intentionally lowbrow comedy. The writers-directors describe themselves as the lowdownconcept. Many will agree that they live up to their title!

The film was made on the Cook Islands as well as in New Zealand. The initial setting is an island which is sinking. The focus is on a young boy, Gary, who embodies the hopes of the elders of the island, especially his father, the chief. Gary is sent off to New Zealand to study at the University, relying on the savings of his family and the people. He is not successful, but does not let the islanders know. Years pass and he becomes a real estate agent, not particularly successful. He has a girlfriend, Chloe (Meagan Stevenson) who is something of a social climber.

Gary is played by popular comedian, Josh Thomson, not afraid to send himself up. The chief of the island is played by another comedian, David Fane.

Gary goes back to the island as his father is dying. He is nominated the chief and the small community agree. While his father dies, he is a visual presence for Gary throughout the rest of the film. Gary may have good intentions (open to question) and Chloe is ambitious for a lavish wedding. Island funds are to be steered towards that wedding. This means the postponing of his sister’s wedding to a New Zealander who lives on the island. Eventually, matters get sorted out – sometimes more, sometimes less.

There are quite a number of gross sequences and images that reinforce thelowdown concept treatment.

Some moderate reviews from New Zealand – but a number of not very complimentary reviews, critical of the lowdown humour.