STACK #245 March 2025

CINEMA FEATURE

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SPIT

T he film, which also starred screen icons Timothy Spall, Gary Sweet, and David Field, was a critical and box office success, with Wenham’s standout performance widely praised. Now, 20 years later, Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri gets his own movie in this highly anticipated spin-off sequel, Spit . The story picks up two decades after the events of Gettin’ Square . Johnny, after years on the run overseas, sneaks back into Australia using a fake passport. However, his return is anything but smooth - he’s caught and lands in an Immigration Detention Centre, where a fat target is quickly stuck on his back. Wenham - a simple-minded, small-time crook and loyal mate to Sam Worthington’s Barry. Words Glenn Cochrane Back in 2003, the Australian crime comedy Gettin’ Square introduced audiences to Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri, played by David

T he story of Flow follows a displaced cat navigating a disaster-ravished world after a devastating flood destroys its home. Stranded and alone, the cat finds refuge on a small boat, where it encounters a variety of other animals seeking safety. From a loyal Labrador to a quirky capybara, a watchful secretary bird, and a clever lemur, the group must set aside their differences and learn to work together to survive the perilous journey ahead. Flow has earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film is a feature-length adaptation of Gints Zilbalodis’s 2013 short film Aqua . Zilbalodis, a Latvian filmmaker known for his minimalist, evocative storytelling, also directed the award-winning Away (2019). With Flow , he weaves a subtle yet powerful social commentary about unity, resilience, and the importance of overcoming divisions to face common challenges. Despite its simple premise, the film resonates deeply with its viewers, delivering a universal message without a single line of dialogue. anthropomorphised. Instead, Zilbalodis focused on capturing realistic animal behaviour, with meticulous research going into how each species moves and interacts. The absence of dialogue is offset by an immersive sound design that uses real animal recordings, allowing the creatures to communicate in an authentic and compelling way. Adding to the film’s innovation, Flow was created entirely using Blender, a free and open-source 3D creation software. While Blender is widely used for pre-visualisation and visual effects in the commercial industry, it is rare for a feature-length film to be entirely produced with it. Flow sets a new precedent for what independent creators can achieve. Flow , the multi-award-winning animated film from Latvia, speaks volumes without dialogue, captivating audiences with its universal appeal and emotional depth. Words Glenn Cochrane FLOW A unique aspect of Flow is its portrayal of animals. Unlike many animated films, the characters are not

With old enemies closing in and long-standing scores to settle, Johnny must stay one step ahead of danger or risk landing in even deeper dung. Along the way, he finds unexpected allies among the other detainees, who teach him valuable lessons about identity, resilience, and what it means to be a true Aussie. Gary Sweet, David Field, and David Roberts also return. Fans of the original film have plenty to be excited about, and if the trailer is anything to go by, Spit promises to deliver a worthy follow-up. Wenham’s iconic performance in Gettin’ Square set the bar high, but this film might just see him outdo himself. Jonathan Teplitzky returns to direct, having previously helmed acclaimed films such as The Railway Man (2013), Burning Man (2011), and Churchill (2017). Joining him is Gettin’ Square writer Chris Nyst, who brings his sharp legal expertise and rich personal experience to the script, crafting a story brimming with authenticity and humour. Spit is shaping up to be a must-see celebration of Australian cinema.

Spit is in cinemas Mar 6

Flow is in cinemas Mar 20

MARCH 2025

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