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Written/directed by Dan Castle
In Newcastle you’re apparently only young forever once. And it’s believable – Newcastle is the kind of rare Australian film which is instantly iconic, a veritable Puberty Blues for Generation Y. But more than that it’s a film which is both visually breathtaking and powerfully emotive in its heartfelt sincerity – a strong combination for a seeming surf flick.
Jesse (Lachlan Buchanan) misses out on a spot in the Junior Surf Pro finals, a disappointment which is compounded once its discovered his older brother Victor (Reshad Stirk) is a former champion. To console him, Jesse’s mates take him away for a surf weekend. Much to Jesse’s chagrin his fraternal – and slightly fruity – twin brother Fergus (Xavier Samuels) comes along. While a relationship blooms between Fergus and Andy (Kirk Jenkins), tragedy looms… but with it comes an opportunity that will shake Jesse to his core.
Newcastle is a triumph. The cinematography is astounding. The inherent awkwardness captures adolescence spot on. The surf scenes are vivid and mesmerising. Overall, Newcastle is like its namesake – a diamond in the rough on the cusp of being a national treasure.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
