Watch Orphans & Kingdoms

Orphans & Kingdoms is a 2014 New Zealand film directed by Paolo Rotondo. The film follows three teenagers: Will, a charming but troubled young man, his younger sister, Melissa, and her best friend, Naomi. They live in a low-income neighborhood surrounded by poverty, drugs, and gang violence. Despite their difficult circumstances, the trio shares a strong bond and a desire to escape their bleak reality.

The film opens with Will (Colin Moy) committing a crime, and from there, it delves into the lives of the three protagonists. Will is a complex and conflicted character, struggling with drug addiction and a traumatic past. He is fiercely protective of his sister, Melissa (Calae Hignett-Morgan), and her best friend, Naomi (Hanelle Harris), and tries to shield them from the harsh realities of their surroundings. Melissa is a talented artist, but her dream of attending a prestigious art school seems impossible due to her family's financial struggles. Naomi is dealing with her own trauma and is often the target of abuse from her stepfather.

As the story progresses, the three teenagers' paths diverge, leading them down separate but equally challenging roads. Will struggles with addiction and the consequences of his actions, while Melissa fights to pursue her dreams despite the odds stacked against her. Naomi faces a dangerous situation that forces her to confront her trauma and stand up for herself.

The film is shot in black and white, which adds a gritty and raw atmosphere to the story. The use of visual metaphors and strong imagery enhances the film's emotional impact, highlighting the characters' struggles and their surroundings. The music is also a significant element of the film, contributing to the mood and complementing the story's themes.

One of the most powerful aspects of Orphans & Kingdoms is the exploration of the dynamics between the three teenagers, their families, and their community. The film shines a light on the effects of poverty, violence, and neglect on young people's lives and the importance of connection and support. The characters' struggles are very realistic, and their journey is one of resilience, hope, and growth.

The performances of the three young actors are outstanding, delivering nuanced and powerful portrayals of complex characters. Colin Moy's portrayal of Will captures the character's vulnerability, pain, and charisma. Calae Hignett-Morgan's performance as Melissa is equally impressive, showcasing the character's strength and determination despite her challenges. Hanelle Harris's portrayal of Naomi is both heartbreaking and empowering, portraying the character's journey from victim to survivor.

Overall, Orphans & Kingdoms is a moving and thought-provoking film that tackles challenging themes with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of young people facing difficult circumstances and the power of human connection and support. The film is a must-watch for those interested in human dramas and coming-of-age stories that do not shy away from the harsh realities of life.

Orphans & Kingdoms is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.