Tragically omniscient in its storyline, Selkie tells the story of a seal boy who tries to fit in on the land. How director Donald Crombie anticipated the pertinent social issues in Australian and US boarder control on the horizon, and translated so brilliantly into film, is a question for the gods - for they too know of things to come. Adding to this precognition of Crombie, are other great themes of friendship, the woes of being a teenager and the harrows of being an outcast.
A particular stand-out in this film is the character of the classic film-rebel on a motorbike - played convincingly by one Mariana Rego - question as you watch, the familiar shuffle of James Dean in her walk, and the smile of a circa-10 things I hate about you-young Heath Leger, is this Australias best child actress? Knowing she has grown up now, one begs the question - where is she now? Not even the precognitive ability of one Donald Crombie could anticipate where her life would head from the humble origins of Selkie, but one hopes that flare (or Bunsen burner) for acting is still burning deep within her soul.
Finishing with a feel-good family romp of a song, this film ticks many of the boxes, or 6 out of 10 to be specific - enjoyed by some!
A particular stand-out in this film is the character of the classic film-rebel on a motorbike - played convincingly by one Mariana Rego - question as you watch, the familiar shuffle of James Dean in her walk, and the smile of a circa-10 things I hate about you-young Heath Leger, is this Australias best child actress? Knowing she has grown up now, one begs the question - where is she now? Not even the precognitive ability of one Donald Crombie could anticipate where her life would head from the humble origins of Selkie, but one hopes that flare (or Bunsen burner) for acting is still burning deep within her soul.
Finishing with a feel-good family romp of a song, this film ticks many of the boxes, or 6 out of 10 to be specific - enjoyed by some!