Starring: Danielle Cormack, Rima Te Wiata, Jodie Dorday, Timothy Balme, Donna Akersten & Brian Sergent
Directed By: Anthony McCarten

Via Satellite is a 1998 released low budget New Zealand comedy drama with a cast of great New Zealand actors.

Via Satellite stars Danielle Cormack in a dual performance as both Chrissy and Carol. Chrissy and Carol are twin sisters, Carol is a champion swimmer and her family have gathered round the Television to watch her swim in the Commonwealth games. Chrissy is a bitter young girl who resents her family who she feels disappointed with, she loves Carol but doesn't want to be part of the family atmosphere and watch the races all together. To make matters worse her mother (Jodie Dorday) has just received a phone call from the "television people" (as she calls them).It turns out the T.V wants to do a human interest story which involves talking to Carol's (the top swimmer) family and then linking her Via Satellite to her family so they can talk over the air. Quite cynically Chrissy wants no part of this as
she believes this is an exploitation story patronising her "simple" family.

Via Satellite is like a cross between Secrets & Lies and The Castle. There are moments of poking fun at the simple family and then there are serious dysfunctional family issues like Secrets & Lies.The film however is not a rip off of either it is an original piece of work which offers similarities to two great and similar movies.

This film works through it's strong script and effective performances. In the lead role Danielle Cormack is excellent, Rima Te Wiata and Timothy Balme are equally delightful in more comic performances. Also of note is the movie's effective and emotional soundtrack featuring songs which are perfect for the films downbeat but slightly uplifting mood.

This movie struck by surprise I was expecting a silly comedy but I was presented with a thoughtful dramatic often funny movie whose ability to mix tragedy with comedy is first rate.

3.5 STARS