Not only because of the recent and harrowing findings of the New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care but also because of the current political climate, We Were Dangerous feels like a real movie of the moment. A rebellious, sucker punch to the soul of the very best kind. Not only a film of historic consequence because of its subject matter, but We Were Dangerous is one of the best films of 2024. You’ve just got to see this film. 

 

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 a 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. However, a sense of doom settles in when experimental forms of punishment take place in the dead of night.

 

While we are introduced to a raft of young women, We Were Dangerous centers on Nellie, Daisy, and Lou as they experience, try to survive, and then attempt to escape the remote island that they are condemned to. Narratively enthralling, director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu crafts a story that perfectly traverses the tightrope between serious drama and comedic relief.

 

We Were Dangerous tackles some pretty confronting themes from implicit and explicit colonization to reproductive health and sexuality. Stewart-Te Whiu tackles all of these with such grace yet gritty determination that it doesn't play these situations to cheaply hit the audience in the feels yet doesn’t let the institutions and the people that inhabit them off the hook. 

 

Erana James, Manaia Hall, Nathalie Morris who portray our rebellious trio are an utter revelation and without their endearing and unique performances the film would not be nearly as impactful as it is. Perfect casting. 

 

A rebellious, sucker punch to the soul of the very best kind. Not only a film of historic consequence because of its subject matter, but We Were Dangerous is one of the best films of 2024. You’ve just got to see this film.