Watch Two Cars, One Night

Two Cars, One Night is a 2003 short film directed by Taika Waititi. The film is set in a rural New Zealand car park, where two young boys and a girl are waiting for their parents to come out of a nearby bar. The three kids come from different backgrounds, but they share a common space as they pass the time together. The film is an exploration of the innocence and curiosity of childhood, as the three kids interact with each other and with the cars and people around them. The narrative unfolds with minimal dialogue, relying instead on the kids' expressions, movements, and gestures to convey their emotions and relationships.

The two boys, Romeo and Polynesian, are around 10 or 11 years old. Romeo is a Maori boy who's wearing a cowboy hat and claims to be from Texas. Polynesian is a Samoan boy who's wearing a puffer jacket and admits he's from New Zealand. Both boys are trying to impress the girl, who's slightly younger and more reserved. Her name is Polly, and she's also of Maori descent. Polly's father is a notorious gang member, and she's waiting for him and her mum to come out of the bar.

As the night progresses, the kids engage in various activities to keep themselves entertained. They play games, tell stories, and pretend to be adults. Romeo shows off his cowboy hat and guns, while Polynesian reveals his love for Michael Jackson and his moonwalking skills. Polly mostly observes their antics and occasionally joins in, but she's the most apprehensive about their surroundings. She warns them about the dangers of the gang life and the risks of being caught in the crossfire.

Throughout the film, the audience is given glimpses of the adult world that the kids are trying to make sense of. From the adults coming and going from the bar to the cars driving in and out of the car park, there's a sense of vulnerability and unpredictability that permeates the scene. The kids are aware of this in their own way, but they're also shielded by their innocence and imagination. For them, the car park is a playground, a stage, a battleground, and a haven.

The film's cinematography is one of its strongest aspects, capturing the small details of the car park and the kids' expressions with a sense of intimacy and wonder. The lighting and sound design enhance the mood and atmosphere of the film, conveying the quietness and stillness of the night as well as its hidden dangers and possibilities. The soundtrack features several classic soul and R&B songs, adding to the film's nostalgic and romantic tone.

Overall, Two Cars, One Night is a poignant and charming short film that captures the essence of childhood's fleeting moments of joy and uncertainty. The film is a testament to the power of simplicity and observation, demonstrating how a small slice of life can reveal multiple layers of meaning and emotion. The performances by the three young actors are lovely and natural, and the direction by Taika Waititi is sensitive and assured. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and launched Waititi's career as a filmmaker in New Zealand and beyond.

Two Cars, One Night is a 2004 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.