TL;DR – A very compelling narrative of finding oneself far away from home.

Post-Credit Scene – There is no post-credit scene.

Disclosure – I paid to see this film.

The Convert Review –

There was a whole wave of unintended consequences when the British gallivanted around the world, sticking their flag on any spot of land that they could. You know, other than the conquest, murder, and resource exploitation, that is. In what is now New Zealand, one of these was the Musket Wars, where tribal structures across the islands were ripped apart. Today’s film jumps into the heart of this and the world it is creating.  

So, to set the scene, it is 1830, and Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) is on a dangerous journey across the Tasman Sea to his new home on the Islands of New Zealand in the town of Epworth. He has been hired as the new lay preacher, but before he reaches there, he saves the life of Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne) as the rest of her town is slaughtered by the warlord Akatarewa (Lawrence Makoare). Even when in Epworth, danger lurks, and not just from the “savages” in the bush.

One of the strengths of The Convert is its production and its locations. New Zealand has a beauty and a danger about it, and I think some of that beauty comes from the danger, and they highlight it here with the soaring vistas and black sands. This is supported by the musical score where the low bass clarinets mimic the oceans, and the strings all the songbirds. It is about highlighting the environment rather than supplanting it. You can feel this artistic choice come across throughout the film.

Our gateway into Māori society in this film is a white priest from England, and that can usually be a big issue. However, I think they make it land because first, Guy Pearce is one hell of an orator, and he nails it here. Secondly, his character’s outsider perspective exists in both the town and Pā. He does not truly fit anywhere. It helps that this is not so much of a white saviour story but more a character trying to find salvation for himself. He spends most of the film woefully out of his depth, but he does have an earnestness that helps.  

The cast is terrific here because they bring power into every scene. Rangimai, demanding her father avenge the death of her husband, surrounded by people yet commanding every moment, is a highlight of the year so far because of Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne’s performance. It is where you get these wonderful moments where people hide malice behind politeness. Where bluntness becomes salvation, and when revenge is a scream that echoes through time and space. I think it is the performances that help elevate the story, as there are some elements of the narrative that don’t quite land, but the performances keep you in it.  

While it was fascinating to watch, there was not a lot of depth going on. Most people fall into very neat boxes, with only our lead having a lot of change. Given the context of the story, that was not a deal breaker for me, but it was noticeable. I can’t say how well they represented the Māori society of the time, but there were extensive experts listed in the credits, so I hope they did their homework. The action was quite intense, and I think that was because sharpened clubs just hit different.      

 In the end, do we recommend The Convert? Yes, I would. I was engaged the entire time, the performances excelled, and the action hit hard. If you liked The Convert, we would recommend to you The Legend of Baron To’a.

By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.

Have you watched The Convert?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day. 

Credits – All images were created by the cast, crew, and production companies of The Convert
Directed by – Lee Tamahori
Screenplay by – Shane Danielsen & Lee Tamahori
Story by – Michael Bennett
Based on – Wulf by Hamish Clayton
Music by – Matteo Zingales
Cinematography by – Gin Loane
Edited by – Luke Haigh
Production/Distribution Companies – MBK Productions, Mister Smith Entertainment,     New Zealand Film Commission, Jump Film & Television, Brouhaha Entertainment & Kismet Movies
Starring – Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Lawrence Makoare, Dean O’Gorman & Duane Evans Jr. with Will Wallace, Jared Turner,  Jack Barry, Renee Lyons, Madeleine McCarthy, Ariki Salvation-Turner, Mark Sole & Whiu Tomika   
Rating – Australia: MA15+; New Zealand: R