THE LISTENER

Perfectly Formed

“Another gripping local film having its debut is Pack Rat by writer-director Lucy Suess. Her film is a quietly unnerving, nicely acted tale about the only girl in a gang of rural teenage mates who finds she's no longer safe in their company. It is just 18 minutes long, but it has a feature-strength emotional punch.”

– Russell Baillie, The Listener Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Cinematropolis

“For Baby Teeth (DeeDee Comet), a rural New Zealand teen, fitting in never felt so out of place. Once childhood friends, the group of boys she hangs with grows increasingly toxic. As Louie (Caleb Cameron Lee), the group’s insufferable leader, tests, pushes and harasses Baby Teeth, she begins to question her place among the pack.

Lucy Suess’ “Pack Rat” is an ideal opener for the block that plunges headfirst into its compelling lead’s plight. Suess’ raw, organic dialogue is unflinching, uncomfortable and exceptionally performed by Comet and Lee. While regional, “Pack Rat” feels just as applicable to the midwestern U.S. as it does in its setting on the opposite side of the world.”

– Daniel Bokemper