Under Streetlights Is A Deeply Powerful Story Of The Importance Of Music

Once in a while a movie screens in cinemas which leaves audiences speechless, feeling inspired and triumphant, and so was the case with Under Streetlights a small yet powerful Australian movie that deserves much accolade.

The story follows Izak and Ella, two friends living in Alice Springs who aspire to reach great heights in the music world. Izak is Aboriginal and Ella is white. They both unite in a platonic friendship to follow their dream but find hurdles along the road to stardom.

This film is based on true events, much of the story being based on the experiences of up-and-coming actor Jacob Harvey who quite comfortably portrays Izak. Ella is played by Madison Hull, an accomplished singer/songwriter who was the recipient of an award for her music from radio station Triple J.

The music is a central character in the movie and includes hip-hop beats, ballads and RnB, co-written by both these talented artists. When words can’t stop both their fathers from drinking heavily, music resolves their substance abuse issues and ultimately aids in rekindling their past friendship.

This movie is raw, gritty and explores the adverse social issues of living ‘out bush’ but also contains many poignant and heartfelt sequences, the effectiveness heightened by the music, notably when Ella sings a beautiful song called In My Dreams in remembrance of her mother who passed away in the opening frames of the movie. The more sensitive audiences may be reduced to tears.

Directed by Danielle Loy, Under Streetlights was a labour of love and it’s astonishing the good work that has been accomplished on such a small budget. Surprisingly many of the on-screen actors had never acted prior to filming on this project which compounded to the authenticity of the narrative, and most of the cast and crew were also recruited locals from one of the country’s most remote regions.

Under Streetlights captures the unfathomable beauty of the scorched and picturesque landscapes of Alice Springs where the film was filmed in its entirety. Justifiably the film won the Gold Award for its cinematography at the Australia Cinematography Society.

There are many themes evident in what can best be described as the surprise Australian movie of the year. Following one’s dreams regardless of the obstacles encountered, the effect of grief, the inability to move on, overcoming adversity and most importantly how music has the ability to change lives.

There are comedic elements in many scenes which are a welcomed relief from the darker highly tempered and more poignant scenes.

Under Streetlights is a movie that should ignite conversation and needs to be seen on the big screen. Go watch this movie in cinemas and support our local film industry which all Australians should be proud of.

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Under Streetlights is in cinemas now.