Watch West

West is a 2007 Australian drama film directed by Daniel Krige. The story is set in a remote Australian town where the lives of two young boys, Max and Vinnie, become intertwined when they meet each other for the first time. Max (Khan Chittenden) is a reserved, introverted teenager who is struggling to cope with the loss of his mother. Vinnie (Nathan Phillips), on the other hand, is an outgoing, charismatic teenage boy who is running away from his troubled past.

The film opens with Max arriving in town to live with his estranged father, who is an alcoholic struggling with his own demons. Left to fend for himself, Max spends most of his time exploring the town, and it is during one of these explorations that he meets Vinnie. Despite their vastly different personalities, the two boys quickly bond over their shared love for skateboarding.

As the friendship between Max and Vinnie blossoms, we get a glimpse into their individual lives. Max's father is emotionally distant and uninterested in connecting with his son, while Vinnie is haunted by his past and is struggling to come to terms with the mistakes he has made.

The arrival of a new girl in town, Jessie (Gillian Alexy), further complicates things. Both boys develop feelings for her, and their friendship is put to the test as they compete for her attention. Jessie, however, is not looking for a romantic relationship and instead wants to be friends with both boys.

The film's plot offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of adolescence in rural Australia. As we follow the lives of these three teenagers, we see them dealing with themes such as loss, addiction, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern-day relationships.

The film's cinematography sets a moody and atmospheric tone, perfectly capturing the stark contrasts between the town's harsh natural landscape and the intimacy of the character's emotional journeys. The camera work is impressive, with many scenes shot with handheld cameras that give the impression of being alongside the characters in their intimate moments.

The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of indie rock and electronic music, adds to the film's overall mood and feel. The use of music in the film is subtle and restrained, with the soundtrack serving to enhance rather than overpower the emotion of each scene.

West's performances are noteworthy, with the three leads delivering emotionally nuanced performances that are both realistic and heart-warming. Khan Chittenden's portrayal of the introverted and sensitive Max is particularly striking, as he captures the character's inner turmoil and isolation perfectly.

Overall, West is a thoughtful and poignant coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of adolescence in rural Australia. Its raw and honest portrayal of adolescence, combined with strong performances and excellent cinematography, make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Australian cinema or coming-of-age stories.