The Players

Stefani Kimber gives a remarkable, affecting performance as Emily, a curious and talented teenager befriended by Marley (Jess Salgueiro), an actress in an experimental theatre group led by the charismatic Reinhardt (Eric Johnson). Emily auditions for and joins the troupe, where she’s inspired to challenge herself, endure physically and mentally demanding exercises and prove that she’s not a kid anymore. It’s exciting and respite from her parents’ breakup, but this rite of passage comes with dangers of which she is barely aware.

Writer-director Sarah Galea-Davis’s semi-autobiographical debut feature is highly accomplished and queasily compelling. Many will be able to relate to Emily’s enthusiastic embrace of an older bohemian crowd which bolsters her self-esteem and propels her towards adulthood. And many will also recognize Reinhardt’s self-serving bravado, manipulativeness, and reckless disregard for the well being of the young women who invest their faith in him.

This is an intense watch, but unlike Emily, we are in good hands: Galea-Davis is a sensitive and tactful filmmaker who explores this tricky territory with nuance and compassion.

Apr 14: Q&A with writer-director Sarah Galea-Davis and actor Tess Degenstein

In the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, director Sarah Galea-Davis began to explore her own memories of being a young actor, and to share stories with others. The result is this film… a moody, unsettling piece, in part because of her skill in capturing nuance – real and perceived. It also has a raw quality which makes it compelling, though sometimes painful, to watch. 4/5

Jennie Kermode, Eye for Film

A poignant, tense and distressing exploration of power dynamics, manipulation and coercion.

Rebecca Cherry, Film Carnage