MOVIE: SEPARATION CITY
It seems film makers, along with novelists and songwriters and just about anyone else with something to say, will never tire of squeezing another drop or two from that old theme – romantic relationships. Separation City is, in essence, a comedy drama about romantic relationships in all their dysfunctionality – from the old shtick of the wife who finds her philandering husband in a compromising position with some blonde bimbo, to the wife who tells her husband she’s actually a lesbian. Somewhat of a homage to Wellington, where the film is almost entirely set, it revolves around Simon (Joel Edgerton) and Pam (Danielle Cormack), a snug couple with two children who have lost interest in each other and their sex lives. In comes sultry Katrien (Rhona Mitra), confused and vulnerable after the break up of her marriage, and sexual tension blows like a cinder box. But in and around the central plot are peppered many other pitfalls of relationships that are carried along by sharp writing and some impressive performances, notably by Les Hill. While at times predictable, Separation City does make you think about falling in and out of love, and the high price of keeping that love going, while still being light and funny. (MG)
