1950s New Zealand Coming-of-Age Film ‘We Were Dangerous’ Trailer
by Alex Billington
June 14, 2024
Source: YouTube
“This island has a long history of accommodating dubious characters…” Madman Films debuted the first official trailer for We Were Dangerous, an indie coming-of-age from New Zealand marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. This recently premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival & BFI Flare, and it’s screening next at the Sydney, Melbourne and Perth Film Festivals in Australia. No US release date yet, but it’s set to open in NZ in August to start. Nellie, Daisy & Lou attend an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island in 1954. The trio rail against the system, finding strength in their friendship but this is challenged when the school’s matron divides them. We Were Dangerous is a powerful story of female friendship, by director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, winner of the SXSW Special Jury Award for Filmmaking. Starring Erana James, Rima Te Wiata, Nathalie Morris, and Manaia Hall. The film has plenty of positive reviews, stating that it’s a “heartwarming tale of friendship and rebellion that skillfully balances the humor and joy of youth.” Well this looks fantastic! Keep an eye out for this film later this year.
Here’s the first international trailer for Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s We Were Dangerous, on YouTube:
In 1954 New Zealand Nellie and Daisy attempt to escape an institution for delinquent girls, however not only are they caught, it triggers a relocation to another facility on a remote island. The duo become a trio as well-to-do Lou joins them, and life on the island takes shape under the command of devout Matron. The trio rail against the system, dubious of the benevolence of the bible and taking refuge in their blossoming friendship. It’s hard to reform girls who don’t believe they need reforming. A sense of doom settles in when experimental forms of punishment occur in the dead of night. Nellie & Daisy plot rebellion, but then find themselves at odds with Lou, who is afraid to break the rules. We Were Dangerous is directed by the New Zealand filmmaker Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, making her feature directorial debut after a one other short film previously. The screenplay is by Maddie Dai, along with Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. This initially premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival earlier this year. Madman Films will debut We Were Dangerous in New Zealand cinemas starting on August 22nd, 2024. No US release is set yet – stay tuned. Look good?
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