In 1860s New Zealand, a young Irish woman desperately trying to find her son finds herself caught on both sides of the lines during the wars between Māori tribes and the British colonial army.
Cinematography
The river itself becomes a character — murky, beautiful, unforgiving.
Production
Painstaking historical recreation of 1860s New Zealand warfare.
Acting
Samantha Morton carries the whole mess on her back.
Director
Vincent Ward
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Vincent Ward spent years developing this passion project after his Hollywood exile following 'What Dreams May Come.'
The film sparked debate in New Zealand about who gets to tell Maori stories — Ward, a Pākehā director, faced criticism despite genuine consultation.
NZ
GB
