Spit

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)

In a recent interview with director Jonathan Teplitzky (Railway Man), he stated that Spit is not meant to be a sequel to the Australian cult classic Getting Square (2003). Yet, Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri (David Wenham) reprises the beloved bumbling support character who lives on in infamy amongst Australian fans. Sequel or not, this misguided adventure reintroduces the small-time criminal back into the consciences of cinema-goers who can connect with his world of mullets, thongs and bizarre ability to get into and out of the most precarious situations.

After two decades of living overseas, Spit decides to reenter his homeland, hoping to fly under the radar of the law. A wish that is quickly dashed as he fails to make it past customs and is eventually thrown into an Immigration Detention Centre. When the police and the other criminals associated with the bank robbery in Spitieri’s past find out he is back in Australia, the rush is on to find him and arrest or kill the wanted fugitive. Still, Spit manages to elude most of his enemies and law enforcement with the help of new friends, as he has a new motivation to reconnect with his long-lost sister and her son.

This off-beat battler embodies everything you would expect of the consummate anti-hero in the heritage of quintessential Australian comedies. David Wenham immerses himself into this alter-ego that has followed him over the decades and proves that this style of humour can still garner a laugh after all these years, despite his character being unaware of how the world has changed and most of his words and actions bordering on the offensive in this modern world. As Spit becomes confronted with the needs of others trying to have a go in Australia, his commitment to mateship proves how it can conquer relational and cultural obstacles along the way.

Jonathan Teplitzky doesn’t hold back in showing the vicious underbelly of the criminal world and the lives of those who choose to dabble in this seedy atmosphere. Gary Sweet, David Roberts, David Field, and Helen Thomson reprise their roles from Getting Square, showing how everything has changed since Johnny Spitieri was absent. As they show how some things are different, there is evidence that some things never change in the dark world of double-dealing and bloodshed. In Among the dark hilarity is a surprisingly heartwarming moment that could be off-putting in a film of this genre, but due to the nature of the lead character, each scene exposes that there is a complexity to the heart of the simple small-time gangster.

Spit exudes the heart and soul of the consummate Aussie battler. Laughs complement the hard-hitting world he is trying to escape, showing that even the most uncomplicated characters can have something worthwhile to fight for in their less-than-ideal lives.

REEL DIALOGUE: What defines mateship?

The dictionary would define it as a mode of conduct among Australian men that stresses equality, friendship, and solidarity.

It is difficult to explain the value and depth of Australia's mateship tradition. Except that it goes beyond mere friendship to define a relational aspect that is uniquely Australian. Even though it is a defining aspect of Australia, it is not unique to this time and land. The Bible addresses this in a relationship between two men in the Old Testament. David and Jonathan had a friendship that is reminiscent of the mateship of the land down under. It is worth reading and considering in light of friendships around the world.

Proverbs 18:24 - A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

If you would like to discuss the themes of this film, contact us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.