House also clearly wants to tell a story that celebrates New Zealand’s diversity, from the manner of speech to the characters’ choices.

[W]hile this is meant to be a bittersweet little story, the bitterness of the reality underneath it comes through no matter what sweetness may be on the surface.

A heartwarming, funny and wholesome adventure with breathtaking scenery

Watching these 11-year-olds bickering and bonding while discussing life, death and Maori folklore is uplifting.