Mad Rush, the feature debut of writer-director Maddelin McKenna, is a film that feels quintessentially Melbourne. It's a movie that unfolds in the city's center, with a scaled-back color palette of blues and greys, mirroring the city itself. The film follows the story of Madisha (Senuri Chandrani), a Gen Z protagonist who is targeted by an intricate phone scam involving callers who claim to work for the Australian tax office and insist she withdraw all cash from her bank account. While the premise could be a pulse-pounding thriller in Hollywood, Mad Rush takes a more realistic approach, focusing on the day-to-day life of its characters. The film is tightly paced, with a run time of just 76 minutes, and is reminiscent of SBS's Swift Street, another drama that feels very much a product of its environment.
One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail and authenticity. The grainy street-level authenticity adds to the story's realism, and the small, conversation-based moments are convincingly staged. However, the film's pacing is tight, and the plot doesn't always feel like it's moving forward. The central story, while based on a true story, is not particularly interesting, and the idea that the phone callers are legitimate feels like a non-event.
Mad Rush is well-judged aesthetically and atmospherically, with carefully placed slow-mo shots and moments where the camera creeps towards the actors, as if wanting to absorb their stories. Chandrani's performance is dynamic and compelling, bringing relatability but also edge and uncertainty. However, the film could have benefited from some extra narrative polishing and a more expansive final act to make the experience more dramatically satisfying.
One of the film's key strengths is its exploration of the protagonist's life and circumstances. Madisha is at a crossroads, having recently lost her job and facing the prospect of losing her home. This upheaval and uncertainty make her personality more difficult to read and her motivations harder to discern. However, this instability can force people out of complacency, revealing something fundamental about their character.
In conclusion, Mad Rush is a film that feels very much a product of its environment and is well-judged aesthetically and atmospherically. While the central story could have been more interesting, the film's exploration of the protagonist's life and circumstances adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The film is a compelling debut for writer-director Maddelin McKenna, and it will be interesting to see what she does next.
