The Changeover
Erana James stars alongside Timothy Spall and Kiwis Melanie Lynskey and Lucy Lawless in this adaptation of Margaret Mahy's namesake novel.
Set in post-earthquake Christchurch, The Changeover tells the story of troubled teenage Laura Chant (James) who must 'change over' and become a witch in order to save her little brother Jacko (Benji Purchase) from an evil ancient spirit (Spall).
- Director:
- Miranda Harcourt (feature debut)Stuart McKenzie ('For Good')
- Writer:
- Stuart McKenzie
- Cast:
- Timothy SpallMelanie LynskeyLucy LawlessNicholas GalitzineErana JamesKate HarcourtBenji Purchase
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksOne of the reasons Kiwi author Margaret Mahy’s works are so beloved is the believable characters she establishes, with young adults in particular convincingly brought to life on the page. Mahy’s fully formed protagonists frequently grapple with the increased responsibilities of adulthood, and that’s true of this big screen adaptation of her 1984 novel — not that supernatural evil is something teens generally have to deal with.
Go See This
Worthy of the Hype
This film makes you unbelievably proud to be a New Zealander, especially if you're in the entertainment business! Seeing such amazing performances within a well-crafted story set in one of our most beloved cities leaves viewers with a beautiful piece of Kiwi work that is well worth the watch. Congratulations to Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt as...
Kiwi Klassic
A seriously beautiful, eerie, haunting film fuelled by a seriously strong story. Performances are A++. Erana James is incredible as the lead opposite an impossibly insidious Timothy Spall, along with Nicholas Galitzine who is super mysterious. Such a cool coming of age film that I can definitely relate to, aside from turning into a witch! Sosososo good, get...
Really worth seeing!
I saw this film recently, and it was really good! I didn't know if it was for me, but a friend took me and I'm really glad I saw it. It keeps you hooked all the way through, and it has so many good actors, even international ones like the guy from Harry Potter! It feels like an instant kiwi classic, and now I want to read more of Margaret Mahy's work.
A Kiwi Young Adult film worth seeing
Forget the stereotypical American Hollywood young adult flicks, and see Miranda Harcourt's and Stewart McKenzie's amazing new Kiwi film The Changeover, based on Margaret Mahy's novel of the same name, for an artistic, fantastical twist, with an element of horror. This is a film worth paying that bit extra to see in the cinemas, so do it!
Kiwi film worth wathing with the kids this holidays
If you're looking for a movie to watch this holidays, forget the one's from America, England or where ever, go and see this Kiwi film. A fantastic movie about teens facing teen issues, including a mother who seems very distracted, an absent father and a little brother you have to take care of. Then throw in a hot guy, some witchcraft and a broken city and...
A Kiwiana classic
Miranda Harcourt’s and Stewart McKenzies The Changeover gives the audience a glimpse in the life of Mahy herself, modernised in this adaptation. The interesting part, is that films change overtime and people these days are able to relate to films like this one when they have certain storytelling and less cliche tropes. Seriously, who walks away from...
Stuff
pressA worthy addition to the cinematic YA genre which can proudly boast a local edge.
Stuff
pressWhile the story eventually drifts into a predictable cross of A Nightmare on Elm Street meets Twilight by way of Labyrinth, there's enough of Mahy's knotty themes and ideas, solid, lovingly-crafted film-making and compelling performances...
Newshub
pressDeeply immersive and affecting, and no question we are witnessing the birth of a real star in young newcomer Erana James.
Metro Magazine
pressJames is a revelation as Laura, and Timothy Spall, one of the greatest character actors now working, gives her a perfect foil...
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksOne of the reasons Kiwi author Margaret Mahy’s works are so beloved is the believable characters she establishes, with young adults in particular convincingly brought to life on the page. Mahy’s fully formed protagonists frequently grapple with the increased responsibilities of adulthood, and that’s true of this big screen adaptation of her 1984 novel — not that supernatural evil is something teens generally have to deal with.
Stuff
pressA worthy addition to the cinematic YA genre which can proudly boast a local edge.
Stuff
pressWhile the story eventually drifts into a predictable cross of A Nightmare on Elm Street meets Twilight by way of Labyrinth, there's enough of Mahy's knotty themes and ideas, solid, lovingly-crafted film-making and compelling performances...
Newshub
pressDeeply immersive and affecting, and no question we are witnessing the birth of a real star in young newcomer Erana James.
Metro Magazine
pressJames is a revelation as Laura, and Timothy Spall, one of the greatest character actors now working, gives her a perfect foil...
Go See This
Worthy of the Hype
This film makes you unbelievably proud to be a New Zealander, especially if you're in the entertainment business! Seeing such amazing performances within a well-crafted story set in one of our most beloved cities leaves viewers with a beautiful piece of Kiwi work that is well worth the watch. Congratulations to Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt as...
Kiwi Klassic
A seriously beautiful, eerie, haunting film fuelled by a seriously strong story. Performances are A++. Erana James is incredible as the lead opposite an impossibly insidious Timothy Spall, along with Nicholas Galitzine who is super mysterious. Such a cool coming of age film that I can definitely relate to, aside from turning into a witch! Sosososo good,...
Really worth seeing!
I saw this film recently, and it was really good! I didn't know if it was for me, but a friend took me and I'm really glad I saw it. It keeps you hooked all the way through, and it has so many good actors, even international ones like the guy from Harry Potter! It feels like an instant kiwi classic, and now I want to read more of Margaret Mahy's work.
A Kiwi Young Adult film worth seeing
Forget the stereotypical American Hollywood young adult flicks, and see Miranda Harcourt's and Stewart McKenzie's amazing new Kiwi film The Changeover, based on Margaret Mahy's novel of the same name, for an artistic, fantastical twist, with an element of horror. This is a film worth paying that bit extra to see in the cinemas, so do it!
Kiwi film worth wathing with the kids this holidays
If you're looking for a movie to watch this holidays, forget the one's from America, England or where ever, go and see this Kiwi film. A fantastic movie about teens facing teen issues, including a mother who seems very distracted, an absent father and a little brother you have to take care of. Then throw in a hot guy, some witchcraft and a broken city and...
A Kiwiana classic
Miranda Harcourt’s and Stewart McKenzies The Changeover gives the audience a glimpse in the life of Mahy herself, modernised in this adaptation. The interesting part, is that films change overtime and people these days are able to relate to films like this one when they have certain storytelling and less cliche tropes. Seriously, who walks away from...
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