The Super Network

I love going into a film, not knowing anything about it prior and just enjoying the ride in front of me. 10 Metres is a mysterious name, and that alone was something that captured my attention. I went into the film blind, and I felt better for it because this was one insane wild ride, and a fantastically well made film.

This is a rather unique film, and it actually steers clear of using too many known ‘typical’ devices. Instead it simply places us into a situation and we have nowhere else to go but to dive in headfirst. The film revolves around a student at University, he gets drugged and once he wakes up he comes to the realisation that he has a bomb strapped to him. He can’t get it off himself without risking it detonating, and he can’t go within 10 metres of the spiteful classmate who planted it on him or again it will detonate. Without any choice, a crazy cat and mouse game follows on the streets of Melbourne.

It sounds thrilling, right? It really is, and what a ride it turned out to be. The situation is one that easily captures its audience, and it really does not let up until the credits rolls. Our main character finds himself facing the impossible, with so many lives at stake if he makes the wrong move, but Carl who planted the bomb is unstable and he must deal with him as well. This film represents the downside that comes with being a young person, being the outcast and what measures you’ll turn to in order to get noticed and find a way out. While Carl doesn’t resort to taking a gun to school, he’s essentially turned himself and his classmate into martyrs.

The film is a shining example that you don’t need a huge budget to make a really great film, it was shot superbly, it looks great and it showcases Melbourne without being too obvious about it. The performances here, especially from our two leads are fantastic, they each brought their own flavour and successfully captivated their scenes together and separately. They never ventured into making it unbelievable, the looks in their eyes alone sold the situation and made it real. In a way I felt they were both relatable characters, we’ve been where they both have been, and at times it does hit close to home. I was impressed with both actors; both are extremely talented and perfectly cast for these roles.

Rory Noke really brought it all in with the script and his direction, while there are a few issues, they aren’t anything that will ruin the experience. The script is sharp and well written, it has this natural flow of dialogue and it goes into directions that will surprise but also don’t seem to come out of nowhere. He got the best from his actors, and crafted each scene carefully and engaging. I haven’t seen anything quite like this, and I probably wont anytime soon. This is truly a unique experience, with many layers and emotions. I enjoyed this film quite a lot, and it makes me proud to see young and upcoming Australian filmmakers showcasing strong talent.

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