The Dominion Post - 26th March 2005
Movies – The Verdict
PERFECT STRANGERS

A striking feature from New Zealand director Gaylene Preston (Bread and Roses , War Stories). One night bored 30-something Melanie (Rachael Blake) goes out drinking with her friends. When she goes home with a handsome stranger (Sam Neill), she’s captivated by his charm and attentiveness. He sails her away to his castle – a rundown shack on a deserted island. But when seduction becomes deception and passion becomes possession, Melanie realises she has been kidnapped. Stylish and haunting, Perfect Strangers deftly blends many different genres to tell a truly original tale, as Melanie turns the tables on her captor. Torn between fear and desire, Melanie must escape, but her ardent admirer has other plans.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

Pip Boag, wine sales rep, Wellington
I loved it. It was fantastic.
Highlight: Probably what happens to Sam Neill.
Low Point: The end. There was no real low points, the story happened a bit fast. She went from quite normal to quite strange real quickly.
Would you recommend it: Oh, definitely. Absolutely.
Rating: HHH 1/2

Linda Strong, career development consultant, Dunedin
Good, I’ve been thinking about seeing it for a while and this was the perfect opportunity.
Highlight: I quite like the turn around.
Low point: No low points. It took a wee while to get into it.
Would you recommend it: Yes
Rating: HHH 1/2

Ron Walters, Architect, south coast
Fantastic.
Highlights: Lots really. The suspense, Edge of the seat stuff.
Low point: I don’t think so. There was a bit of death and destruction.
Would you recommend it: For sure.
Rating: HHHH 1/2

Trisha Aitkin, 49, trust account manager, Wellington
Amazing. Amazing scenery of the West Coast. This movie’s going around the world.
Highlight: The scenery is fantastic.
Low point: The horrible twist at the end.
Would you recommend it: Definitely
Rating:HHHHH

Bex Pearce, 27, photographic assistant, Wellington
Pleasantly unpredictable.
Highlight: The scenery was beautiful.
Low Point: None
Would you recommend it: Hell yeah
Rating: H