There was one nagging question swirling around my head throughout my viewing of We Were Dangerous: is the “based on a true story” credit going to be at the end of the movie? To my amazement, this film is wholly original. This revelation was a pleasant surprise, and it raised my enthusiasm even higher than it already was! 

We Were Dangerous centers around friends Nellie, Daisy, and Lou as their life at an institution for delinquent girls moves from the mainland to an isolated island in the middle of nowhere. On this island, they are forced to confront rough environmental conditions and even rougher treatment from their brutal matron. The trio attempts forms of rebellion throughout, but the punishments become progressively more sinister.

The team of director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu and writer Maddie Dai crafted a truly memorable experience. The story is full of humor, devastating drama, and a lot of soul. From the characters to the set design, the images and personalities that make up this film have permeated in my mind long after watching it. 

We Were Dangerous takes full advantage of its access to beautiful exteriors. Cinematographer Maria Ines Manchego turns the drab and hilly island at the center of the film and turns it into a living breathing world of its own. From lush green forests with trees that look ten stories tall to picturesque beaches of rocks and endless oceans, the locations in this film are full of detail. Just as impressive are the dorm huts, medical hut, and school sets that were built for the movie. Positioned just beyond a huge cliff, the image of this small community of delinquent girls is indelible. 

The highlight of the film’s performance is Rima Te Wiata. Rima commands the screen with force and vulnerability, a combination that seems impossible until you watch her. Her role as the matron requires a plethora of emotions, and she excels at presenting them all. Surrounding her are child actors of varying experience. Most of them are inexperienced — aside from Erana James and Nathalie Morris, who make up two-thirds of the main protagonists. Joining them is newcomer Manaia Hall, who rises to the occasion of portraying the small but strong Daisy. Although most of the other performers don’t have nearly as much going on as the principal cast, each one is given distinct character traits that make them memorable enough. 

While a large majority of the film has a smooth escalation of tension, the twists and turns at the end overcomplicate the finale. The final moments of the film are satisfying, but the sequences preceding it muddy the waters a bit. 

Even still, this is an incredibly well-written, well-shot, well-acted movie that has much to say in such a short period of time. At only an hour and twenty-three minutes, there is no excuse to miss this one whenever it becomes widely available. 

Review Courtesy of Gabe Lillianthal at SXSW 2024

Image via SXSW