The read
Audiences rate it 28 points higher than critics do. It runs a compact 1h 28m.
Synopsis
Sweet, chubby, theatrical Billy was never cut out to be a farmer or a rugby player, but as the only son of a ‘good kiwi bloke’ he’s obliged to try. The cows are stubborn and the chores gruelling but Billy finds escape in a fantasy world playing Lana, heroine of his favourite TV show Adventures in Space. Not everyone approves of Billy's transformation. On the brink of adolescene, he discovers growing up is more complicated than he could ever have imagined.
Ratings
IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes30%
Audiences rate it 28 points higher than critics do.
14 audience votes
Key crew
- Stewart MainDirector
- Stewart MainWriter
- Peter ScholesOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Andrew PatersonBilly / Lana (Billy)
- Harriet BeattieLou / Brad (Lou)
- Jay CollinsRoy
- Georgia McNeilBabe
- Michael DormanJamie
- Rima Te WiataEvey
- George MasonArch
- Ross McKellarMatt
- Stephanie McKellar-SmithReebie
- David SullivanStuart
- Ben ShortGlen
- Michelle O'BrienBelinda Pepper
Stills
Themes
pubertyfriendshipsmall townadolescencebased on novel or bookoverweight childsexualityoverweightnew zealandbullyingrugbycoming of age