Debut Synergy: Housebound

Overview

In a largely unexplored and seemingly incongruent genre, Housebound is a low-budget first feature horror-comedy. All signs pointed to failure, and the risk was close to the point of total ridiculousness, but the amazingly talented writer and director, Gerard Johnson and the rest of the team behind New Zealand’s latest up and coming feature length film made it work.

Having recently taken over the SXSW Film Festival, receiving critical acclamation and a lot of media hype, it appears the Kiwi film Housebound is a must-see movie. Written and directed by Gerard Johnson of the hilarious television series The Jaquie Brown Diaries, the film is a mixture of perfectly-timed and classic dry Kiwi comedy with an eerie storyline and a mystery full of twists and turns. The plot follows wayward teenager Kylie Bucknell, who is sent under house arrest to move back into her childhood home. The house is her worst nightmare, with her irritating mother, ankle tracker and counsellor all keeping close tabs on her behaviour. Although she doesn't realise just how much of a nightmare the house may really be.

Morgan O’Reilly, who plays the lead teen Kylie, gained great feedback on her acting and humour at the festival and during screen testing. Having appeared in Neighbours as Naomi Canning and having multiple minor one-off roles on a variety of shows, it is believed that her flawless performance in Housebound might be her big break.

The film is screening at the New Zealand International Film Festival on Saturday 26th. A discussion and interview session will be held with director Gerard Johnson on Tuesday 29th.