Watch Waru

Waru is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama film from New Zealand that explores themes of grief, trauma, and social inequality. Directed by a collective of eight Māori women filmmakers, the movie follows the interconnected stories of eight different women in the aftermath of a tragic event. The film opens with the news that a young boy named Waru has died, and we see the impact this has on the small coastal community where he lived. However, rather than focusing on Waru himself, the filmmakers chose to highlight the experiences of eight women who are all affected by the boy's death in different ways. Each of the women is played by a different actress, emphasizing their individuality and unique perspectives.

One of the main characters is Kiritapu (Tanea Heke), a schoolteacher who is struggling to come to terms with Waru's death. Kiritapu feels a deep sense of responsibility as one of Waru's teachers, and also grapples with her own complex family dynamics. Another important character is Em (Roimata Fox), a social worker who works with children and families in the community. Em is fiercely loyal to the young people she works with but is forced to confront her own biases and limitations when she is faced with a difficult situation.

Other characters include Waru's mother Anahera (Nancy Brunning), who is grappling with her own grief and the pressures of being a solo parent, and Tania (Merehakeitiata Poumako), a young woman who is struggling with addiction and trying to reconnect with her daughter. Through these eight different stories, the filmmakers explore a wide range of issues, including domestic violence, racism, and institutional failings.

One of the most striking things about Waru is the way it challenges traditional notions of storytelling. Rather than presenting a linear narrative, the film is structured as eight separate vignettes, each shot in a single take. This gives each character's story room to breathe and allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in each character's world. The decision to have each vignette shot in real-time also adds to the sense of immediacy and urgency in the film.

Waru is a visually stunning film, with beautiful cinematography that captures the rugged coastline and verdant landscapes of New Zealand. The film is also deeply rooted in Māori culture, with several scenes featuring traditional waiata (songs) and rituals. This cultural specificity adds to the authenticity of the film and gives it a sense of connection to a specific time and place.

Overall, Waru is an incredibly powerful film that tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and care. The stories it tells are emotionally resonant and deeply affecting, and the film is a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling. Written, directed, and acted by a largely Māori cast and crew, Waru is a unique and important addition to the canon of New Zealand cinema.

Waru is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.