Struggling in the aftermath of his father’s death, self-described ’emo’ skateboarder Brock (Jude Turner) enters university determined to escape the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Armed with a natural grasp of economics and the reductive advice of his privileged classmate Hunter (Brad McCarthy), Brock sets out to grow his net worth and set himself on the fast path to success. But when his brazen behaviour incurs the wrath of a local drug gang, both his life, and those closest to him, will be threatened.
Williams takes the opportunity to showcase old photographs of factory workers. It’s a poignant tribute to the decades poured into a now deadened place. Emotion Is Dead is really at its best at moments such as this, when youthful spirit is coupled with a more worldly regard for community.
More interesting is Gardn, the vaguely demonic Airtasker-like app Brock uses to secure these appointments. Gardn holds a certain ominous power over him: each of its disruptive notifications pull him further away from the present moment, and from those who might help him process his feelings in a healthier way.
Emotion Is Dead is having screenings Australia-wide beginning in late June. See here for a list of upcoming event screenings.
