The Insatiable Moon

Rawiri Paratene, star of Whale Rider, anchors this charming New Zealand indie that's small in budget but huge in heart. With eyes full of compassion, he delivers an affecting performance as Arthur, a mentally ill Maori man who's convinced he's God's second son. After beginning an unlikely romance with Margaret (Sara Wiseman), the unhappy woman he declares the "Queen of Heaven", the insightful Aucklander sets about spreading more love by trying to save the threatened boarding house he shares with his richly entertaining mates. Adapted by Mike Riddell from his first novel and unevenly directed by his wife Rosemary (whose day job is being a judge), it's an original and passionate mix of spirituality and social realism that's packed with little moments of magic. By injecting dark, expletive-laden humour into serious issues, the pair deftly challenges human prejudices and contradictions, whilst emphasising the simple joys of everyday life. Consequently, though its climax feels abrupt and underdeveloped, the film's overall power and emotion continue to resonate.