Watch The Rehearsal

The Rehearsal is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in 2016. The movie features Michelle Ny, James Rolleston, and Ella Edward in lead roles. It is directed by Alison Maclean and is based on a novel of the same name by Eleanor Catton. The plot centers around Stanley (James Rolleston), a young man who is admitted to a prestigious drama school in Auckland, New Zealand. The film explores themes of adolescence, art, and morality. Stanley is pulled into a strange and potentially dangerous world of adult sexuality and power games when he becomes involved with his older sister's drama coach, Hannah (Michelle Ny). The school where he trains, under the guidance of Hannah, becomes a kind of laboratory where he tests out his own burgeoning artistic abilities—and where the line between reality and performance becomes blurred.

Stanley is initially thrilled by the opportunity to play the lead in a school production of an iconic play. However, his involvement with Hannah exposes him to the trials and tribulations of the theater world. Hannah is teaching her students to take inspiration from their own lives and experiences, but she takes things too far. Under the guise of creating great art, Hannah leads them into forbidden and taboo territory that challenges their morals and boundaries. As Stanley becomes further entangled in the world of the school and its performers, he takes on the role of the detached observer and looks for the right way to express himself.

The movie has an ensemble cast of young actors, and their performances are nuanced and engaging. There is a dynamic shift in the relationships between the characters as the story unfolds. The script is prose-like and intelligent but leaves plenty of room for the actors to express themselves. The cinematography is striking, with many beautiful shots that capture the idyllic backdrop of New Zealand, but the visual style is still subtle enough that it doesn't detract from the performances.

The Rehearsal is a thought-provoking film that explores the implications of transgressing moral boundaries in the pursuit of art. The themes of trust, consent, and self-expression are all explored in a complex and nuanced way. While the film takes on some challenging subject matter, it never feels exploitative. Hannah's character is complex, and the viewer is led to both empathize with and critique her ideas.

Overall, The Rehearsal is a unique and intelligent film with a talented cast, thoughtful script, and striking visuals. It is a powerful exploration of the fine line between personal experience and art, as well as the challenges we face as we navigate our own morality, beliefs, and ambitions. The relationship between Stanley and Hannah is a deeply layered and engrossing feature of the film that provides plenty of food for thought. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, and the performances are excellent. Fans of drama and coming-of-age films will find a lot to enjoy in this introspective and evocative movie.