Kid Snow
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Paul Goldman is an Australian filmmaker and cinematographer. Early in his career, he specialised in music videos and concert films for Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Silverchair, and many more, earning him accolades from MTV and the ARIAs. His feature film Suburban Mayhem competed in the prestigious Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2006, and his 2002 film Australian Rules is a classic Aussie cult sports film. Goldman has returned to the sports film genre with his latest work, Kid Snow.
Kid Snow (Billy Howle) is an Irish boxer soaking up the sun in 1960’s Australia. But when a lost fight leads to a night of drinking and a tragic crash, he winds up on the tent boxing circuit after squandering his chance at glory. After a decade of travelling the Outback with his brother Rory (Tom Bateman), his shot at glory returns after he is offered a lucrative rematch with the rival champ who floored him 10 years earlier. But then Sunny (Phoebe Tonkin) arrives, a single mother on the run from an abusive husband and the law, with her young son Darcy (Jack LaTorre) in tow. Offered sanctuary in exchange for assuming an exotic dance act for the circus, soon romance blossoms between Sunny and Kid, much to Rory’s chagrin.
Goldman’s beautifully photographed film brings to life a distinctly Australian entertainment that’s now all but extinct, with an added mix of romance, blood, dust, and redemption. Australian films are often penitent, slow, and sullen but deliver stirring results. It may not be revolutionary or innovative and likely could’ve used a tighter edit and more boxing sequences. Still, Kid Snow is a great ensemble film.
Led by great performances from Phoebe Tonkin, Billy Howle and Tom Bateman, the ragtag carnival performers in the outback help bolster the story by adding a deep camaraderie. It’s clear that it’s not easy living, and each member has fallen on hard times, but together they work for one another’s benefit. The sibling rivalry between the two brothers also leads to an intense love triangle and fierce fisticuffs. Despite being filled with sports story cliches and archetypes, this film still has a lot to like. As predictable as the story is and the boxing sequences are compared to others in the genre, the leading performances carry this. Audiences should enjoy this unique Outback drama with its 1970s setting and the natural beauty of the bush, which is always great to see on the big screen.
Reel Dialogue: Fighting the true battle
In Australian slang, battlers are ordinary working-class people who persevere through their commitments despite adversity. Typically, this adversity comprises low pay, family problems, environmental hardships, and personal recognition woes. Kid Snow has to battle upwards from his underdog position to not just regain his title but also win the girl.
Each of us has battles in our own lives, and we may feel like we are facing insurmountable odds. But the Bible says that God will fight our battles for us if we trust and follow Him. Israel was often an underdog in the Old Testament. But when they trusted the Lord, He defended them. When they departed from Him, they lost their battles. Have you put your trust in Jesus and surrendered your battles for Him to fight?
2 Chronicles 20:17 “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”
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