Watch Strange Planet
- 1999
- 1 hr 36 min
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5.6 (986)
Strange Planet is a quirky romantic comedy from 1999 that follows the lives of four twenty-something friends living in Sydney, Australia. The film, directed by Emma-Kate Croghan, explores the ups and downs of young love, friendship, and the struggles of finding one's place in the world. The movie centers around the character of Judy (Claudia Karvan), a struggling artist who is searching for meaning and fulfillment in her life. She lives in a dilapidated apartment with her boyfriend, a struggling musician named Richard (Tom Long), who is more focused on his music career than their relationship. Judy's best friend, Sally (Naomi Watts), is a free-spirited writer who is equally as aimless as Judy when it comes to finding her place in the world.
The two friends are obsessed with the seemingly perfect lives of their neighbors, Steve (Aaron Jeffery) and Melissa (Alice Garner), a young couple who seem to have it all together. Steve is a successful businessman, while Melissa is a model and aspiring actress.
Despite their fascination with Steve and Melissa's lifestyle, Judy and Sally soon discover that their neighbors have their own problems and insecurities. Steve is struggling with the pressure of his job and the expectations of his father, while Melissa is grappling with her fear of failure as an actress.
As the movie progresses, the relationships between the four friends become increasingly complex. Judy starts to develop feelings for Steve, despite being in a committed relationship with Richard. Sally, meanwhile, is dealing with her own romantic struggles, as she develops a crush on a young bookstore clerk.
One of the standout features of the movie is its distinct style and tone. The film has a very unique look and feel, with bright colors and quirky camera angles that give it a surreal, dreamlike quality. The dialogue is also very witty and clever, with lots of sharp banter between the characters.
Another highlight of the movie is its strong cast. Claudia Karvan gives a standout performance as Judy, conveying both her vulnerability and her inner strength. Naomi Watts is equally impressive as Sally, bringing a quirky charm and a sense of easygoingness to the role. Alice Garner and Aaron Jeffery also shine as Melissa and Steve, respectively, bringing complexity and depth to their characters.
Overall, Strange Planet is a sweet and charming romantic comedy that explores the complexities of modern relationships and the search for meaning and fulfillment in life. With its unique style, witty dialogue, and strong performances, it's a gem of a movie that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.