MALLBOY

"Capturing the very essence of a dysfunctional family, Mallboy is a poignant and heart-wrenching drama that engulfs us in issues of family and survival. The central characters are far from likeable – they are severely flawed, and display characteristics which are often repugnant. Yet writer/director Vincent Giarrusso has created a hugely engaging film that interests us in their plight, as we follow their journeys. Giarrusso tells the story simply and without bias – we are allowed to observe and be touched. Mallboy is about being lost both emotionally and physically, and it takes great strength for a young boy to climb out of his circumstance. The characters are tough and they're angry. Their life is a mess, full of lies, ugliness and cruelty, but at the core, the genuine humanity shines through. Mallboy raises questions about conscience. It might be easy to go with the flow, but at some point a decision needs to be made and responsibility taken for actions. This isn't always an easy film to watch – there are some scenes that I found quite upsetting. But it is far from depressing, and the journey realised is both believable and uplifting. The performances are all wonderful, especially Kane McNay as Shaun, while Nell Feeney's Jenny takes us through many emotions – not all of which are comfortable. Depicting pertinent issues of today, Mallboy resonates with truth as it gives an observant glimpse of a world that sadly may be relevant to many."
Louise Keller

"The only Australian feature film officially selected for screening at Cannes 2000 is this bleak, honest depiction of life in the suburban sprawl. The work of first time feature writer/director Vincent Giarrusso, Mallboy is a depressing journey into the reality behind the brick veneer of the Australian dream. Promises of the good life offered by quarter-acre blocks are expertly examined by Giarrusso, himself a former social worker, to reveal a hollowness when those promises exclude employment and family unity and are replaced by the despair of conflict and economic hardship. There's a light in Shaun's young eyes which slowly fades as this sombre tale unfolds and refuses to sweeten itself with false optimism until the flawed ending which runs against the grain of everything which has preceded it. That aside this is impressive on many levels, particularly the performances of Sea Change star Kane McNay (who deservedly won a special AFI Award for this) and Nell Feeney as his irresponsible yet very loving mother. This isn't a pretty film and its subject matter makes it a hard sell at the box-office but Giarrusso's film says things about contemporary Australian society which need to be voiced. He gets it right most of the time and his debut is a film not to be dismissed."
Richard Kuipers