When The Geese Flew

Bluesky

It may be sent in New Zealand but this accomplished short from director Arthur Gay has the heart and soul of an American indie. Gay’s thesis film from New York’s Columbia University is a kindred spirit of Sundance features like Robert Machoian’s The Killing Of Two Lovers, with its naturalistic setting and performances and deep sense of place.

Fifteen-year-old Cyrus (Tom Kerr) lives in Twizel, which middle distance shots indicate is a very long way from anywhere else. That’s no doubt why the imminent departure of his sister Sammy (Lee-Ann Dirks) to live in the city is such a big deal. The spare plot involves a stolen bike and unexpected events but Gay and his co-writer Rali Chaouni chiefly employ these as a way of offering a window into Cyrus’ emotional state.

Kerr, who was the same age as his character when this was filmed, is perfectly cast. Cyrus is a kid on the cusp – leaving behind childhood, losing his sister to a new life, thinking about what he wants. Gay uses the geography of the landscape to suggest its influence on the youngster, as though beautiful, it is also bleak and emphasises a sense of isolation. The melancholic tone is also reflected in the intermittent score from Roger Goula, with its spare and strange double bass sounds coupled with accordion.

When things happen, the director pays close attention to Cyrus’ reaction, with Kerr nailing a range of mixed emotions his character experiences. Careful sound design also allows connections to be formed, one heartbeat echoing another or finding its mirror in the thump of feet on a treadmill. Gay and Chaouni are currently working on feature When The Goats Came, which involves a different incarnation of Cyrus at a slightly younger age – a film that has already received praise from the Black List and was previously selected for a Sundance Lab. The craft and content of this Cannes Directors’ Fortnight short mean it’s definitely something to look forward to.

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