Poppy

Movie Review #397: POPPY

NZ movie built on the success of last year’s Peanut Butter Falcon, Down’s Syndrome teen, Poppy, is living with and working for older brother Dave on the Kapiti Coast while they both deal with a tragic loss.

Poppy is car mad, especially the Burn Out types, and can’t wait to get her licence. In the mean time she gets behind a wheel in any way she can, even clandestinely hijacking customers' cars from Dave’s garage.

Things get complicated when Poppy falls for a local lad, and despite his protectionism, Dave’s addictions start to drive him and Poppy apart. Yet she sees his issues and actively tries to help.

It’s a charming movie, yet moves into uncomfortable territory when breaking the bounds of what might challenge us to stretch a little beyond our sensibilities.

Dave is finally forced to face up to reality as Poppy longs for greater independence, which she helps herself to via a number of sneaky, cunning little plans especially the grand finale.

​Libby Hunsdale does famously as Poppy and the rest of the cast support well. Overall:

7.5/10