DEAN SPANLEY

Dean Spanley is a curious and eccentric tale about family relations, the human heart and the ‘transmigration of souls’. Set in late Edwardian England, tension between strange, emerging ideas and the classical traditions dominates the mood. Sam Neill, in the role of the Dean, is entirely surreal while managing to be utterly believable, which is precisely what this story requires. Jeremy Northam, Bryan Brown and Peter O’Toole fill out the ensemble, and following the delicate currents of their collective performance is fascinating. The film itself moves from hilarious dry wit to pure absurdism, and is perfectly played at every turn. Those who would prefer the believable and relatable should avoid this film, but for those willing to take the risk, Dean Spanley delivers on all fronts. (Trischelle Roberts)