by Reuben Stojanovic-Rowe
A true independent voice within the Australian film industry, Lee Galea stands proudly behind his small budget cinema roots. Best known for his feature film Monster Pies, which scored Best Feature at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Galea is a filmmaker that embraces the gift of storytelling; never sticking to one genre.
This variety is evident with his fourth and fifth feature films Filterphonic (2019) and Sexagnerian (2022). The former is a catchy musical and the latter an intimate character piece with interconnected storylines.
The throughline between both films is that they present honest portrayals of individuals going through tough times, and through the friendships and close family surrounding them, are able to achieve a fresh and positive outlook on life.
Filterphonic
A struggling young musician, Riley (Jonah Garvie) is rocked to the core by the news of his mother’s (Julie Strini) terminal illness, which steers his creative pursuits off-track. Tempted to relieve his concerns through stimulant abuse, Riley finds inspiration within a local musical theatre group where he is asked to contribute to a production. Along the way, he sparks an unlikely friendship with his lonely neighbour Pam (Maureen McInerny) and a romance with one of the play’s singers Maddie (Victoria Lincoln).
One would have to be deeply cynical to not find joy and hope in this charming young-adult drama. Galea proves to be a natural in writing catchy musical numbers that fit surprisingly well to the story-beats, especially for the emotionally heavier moments. It gives the film a dream-like, cerebral quality that cleverly represents Riley’s thoughts through song.
The cast of characters are likeable, with the younger protagonists particular standouts. Galea, along with writer Anthony Macri, litter the film with cute, sincere character moments; a favourite line being “You’re weird in the most complimentary way.”
Touching on themes of drug addiction, family and death, Filterphonic could’ve easily been a tough watch, but how it presents the healing qualities of artistic expression and firmly believing in being ‘The Best You Can Be’ makes it a wonderfully uplifting experience.
Sexagenarian
A lonely sixty-year-old woman Sadie (Chris Perkins) finds a new perspective on life when a teenage boy, Buddy (Mason Frost) appears at her doorstep at night, lost and without purpose. An unlikely bond develops between Sadie and Buddy as they realise they can help each other face their demons together. A parallel storyline, set one year later, presents a more optimistic Sadie, who accepts an invitation by her work colleagues to after-hours drinks where she may find the love she has been searching for.
Chris Perkins makes for a wonderful lead in the life-affirming Sexagenarian, whose themes of loneliness and anxiety will resonate with many. Sadie’s battles with finding love and purpose in her life are deeply heartfelt and are delivered with a level of gravitas by Perkins.
While the film covers an unconventional relationship between an older woman and younger man, it feels incredibly authentic and heart-warming in its depiction. This is a celebration of companionship, love and self-acceptance – no matter the age or sex.
While credit should be given to Galea for trying his hand at the interconnected storyline structure, its execution is in need of fine tuning. While the stories themselves work on an emotional level, the interweaving and eventual connection is lacklustre.
On the whole however, Sexagenarian is an enjoyable and charming addition to Galea’s oeuvre, with a standout performance from Chris Perkins.
Filterphonic & Sexagenarian are available on Digital, DVD and Blu-ray now.
