Watch The Changeover

The Changeover is a 2017 New Zealand supernatural thriller movie directed by Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie, based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Mahy. The movie follows Laura Chant, a teenage girl who lives in a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, with her mother and younger brother Jacko. Laura is struggling to cope with the disappearance of her father, and her family's financial and emotional instability.

During one fateful night, Laura's brother is taken by a demonic figure, and Laura is forced to confront her deepest fears and go on a journey to save him. Her path crosses with the mysterious Carmody Braque, a powerful and enigmatic figure who offers to help her in exchange for something in return. As Laura delves deeper into the supernatural world and discovers her own hidden powers, she faces difficult sacrifices and dangerous obstacles that threaten her and her loved ones.

The movie offers a fresh and unique take on the classic young adult paranormal romance genre, dealing with themes of family, sacrifice, acceptance, and empowerment. The acting is solid, particularly from Melanie Lynskey as Laura's mother Kate, and Lucy Lawless as Miryam Carlisle, Carmody's mentor and foe. Timothy Spall delivers a convincing and nuanced performance as the sinister Carmody Braque, a villain that is both terrifying and captivating.

One of the strengths of the movie is its New Zealand setting, which adds a sense of authenticity and cultural richness to the supernatural elements of the story. The cinematography and visual effects are well executed, highlighting the eerie and otherworldly nature of the demonic creatures and the magical powers of the characters.

However, the movie's pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped, while others drag on for too long. Some of the plot twists and character motivations may also feel predictable or clichéd to viewers familiar with the genre.

Overall, The Changeover is a solid and enjoyable supernatural thriller that offers some fresh twists on the genre, anchored by strong performances and a captivating setting. While it may not break new ground or reinvent the wheel, it is a worthwhile addition to the canon of young adult paranormal fiction, and a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of New Zealand cinema.

The Changeover is a 2019 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 69.