Heavenly Creatures (1994)

"Heavenly Creatures" is a chilling and entrancing biographical narrative from master filmmaker Peter Jackson. Set in the small-town milieu of 1950s New Zealand, it tells the story of two teenage girls whose unique bond becomes a cause of concern for their parents. When an attempt is made to separate them, their intense friendship takes a dark turn towards revenge.

This film is inspired by the infamous 1954 Parker-Hulme murder case in Christchurch. It centers on the complex relationship between Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme, a friendship that ultimately leads to the murder of Parker's mother. The narrative spans two years, chronologically tracking the girls' lives from their first meeting in 1952 to the tragic killing in 1954.

The idea for the movie originated from Fran Walsh, who proposed to Peter Jackson, known for his horror-comedy films, to create a film based on the notorious Parker-Hulme case. Jackson then brought this concept to his long-standing partner, producer Jim Booth, who unfortunately passed away after filming. The trio of filmmakers agreed that the emphasis of the film should be on the friendship between the girls, not the murder and subsequent trial. Jackson explained, "The friendship was for the most part a rich and rewarding one, and we tried to honor that in the film. It was our intention to make a film about a friendship that went terribly wrong."

Walsh had been fascinated by the case since her childhood. She recollects, "I first came across it in the late Sixties when I was ten years old. The Sunday Times devoted two whole pages to the story with an accompanying illustration of the two girls. I was struck by the uniqueness of the world the two girls had created for themselves."

To prepare for the film, Jackson and Walsh studied the case by reading contemporary newspaper accounts of the trial. They realized that the sensational aspects of the case that had captured the public's imagination in the 1950s were far removed from the story they wanted to tell. Jackson notes, "In the 1950s, Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme were branded as possibly the most evil people on earth. What they had done seemed without rational explanation, and people could only assume that there was something terribly wrong with their minds."

In order to present a more relatable portrayal of events, the filmmakers conducted a nationwide search for people who had close involvement with Parker and Hulme forty years earlier. This included interviews with seventeen former classmates and teachers from Christchurch Girls' High School, as well as neighbors, family friends, colleagues, police officers, lawyers, and psychologists. Jackson and Walsh also read Pauline's diary, which offered daily entries documenting her friendship with Hulme and their shared experiences. It became clear that the girls were intelligent, imaginative, and somewhat marginalized young women with a dark sense of humor. In fact, all of Pauline's voiceovers in the film are directly taken from her journal entries.

All things considered, "Heavenly Creatures" is a captivating exploration of a friendship that takes a horrific turn. It is a testament to the empathetic understanding of its subjects, making it a hauntingly unforgettable cinematic experience.



You should not watch Heavenly Creatures if...

• You cannot handle psychological horror or suspenseful movies.
• You are triggered by depictions of mental illness.
• You are uncomfortable with themes of fanaticism or obsession.
• You have a strong aversion to graphic scenes of crime or murder.
• You're under the suggested viewer age range of 18 due to mature and violent content.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Heavenly Creatures"? I mean, it's a movie about two teenage girls living in a world of fantasy. They're obsessed with the idea of a Fourth World filled with divine beings. If I wanted to see teenagers obsessing over a fantasy world, I'd just go to a Comic-Con convention! I mean, come on! And they say the Fourth World is more real than the real world. If that's the case, do they still have to do their homework in the Fourth World? Because if they do, I'm sticking with this one!

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Those who love "Heavenly Creatures" (1994) will also love "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984) because both films cleverly blend reality and fantasy, employing elements of dark humor and satire to explore human relationships and eccentricities. While the genres and settings differ - the former being a psychological drama based on a real-life murder case in 1950s New Zealand and the latter being a mockumentary about a fictional British rock band - both are distinct and innovative in their storytelling, offering an immersive cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Raising Arizona (1987)

"Heavenly Creatures" (1994) and "Raising Arizona" (1987) are films that offer unique and compelling narratives wrapped in a distinctive cinematic style. Both movies share an eccentric approach to storytelling, blending reality with elements of fantasy and showcasing a dark yet humorous undertone. The films also feature strong performances from their respective casts, and their directors, Peter Jackson and the Coen Brothers, are recognized for their ability to create engaging and visually striking films. For these reasons, fans of "Heavenly Creatures" are likely to appreciate the quirky and offbeat charm of "Raising Arizona".

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Both "Heavenly Creatures" and "Best in Show" are eccentric, unique films that offer rich character development and unconventional storytelling that deviates from mainstream cinema. "Heavenly Creatures" delves into the imaginative world of two teenage girls, while "Best in Show" humorously portrays the peculiar personalities in a dog show competition. Fans of "Heavenly Creatures" will appreciate "Best in Show" for its similar attention to detail in character portrayal, its unusual premise, and the way it also presents an intense, almost obsessive love for something, in this case, dogs, akin to the intense relationship in "Heavenly Creatures".

Girl, Interrupted (1999):

If you're a fan of "Heavenly Creatures," you might enjoy "Girl, Interrupted". Like "Heavenly Creatures," it also features complex characters and a story that explores problems in the human psyche. The film delivers outstanding performances, particularly from Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, and possesses a balance of dark drama and light moments.

Thirteen (2003):

"Thirteen" shares similar themes with "Heavenly Creatures" such as the darkness behind an innocent facade and adolescence gone astray. It features some intense performances by Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood, and it’s a raw, honest look at the troubles and pressures faced by teenagers.

The Virgin Suicides (1999):

Another recommendation is "The Virgin Suicides". It is a similar drama to "Heavenly Creatures" that revolves around the lives of five sisters and the mystery surrounding their existence. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film demonstrates care for the characters and successfully adds mystery throughout the film, making it a compelling watch.

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011):

If you enjoyed the intense psychological focus in "Heavenly Creatures," "Martha Marcy May Marlene" will definitely interest you. It is a chilling character study that goes deep into a young woman's psyche, presenting her past and present in a distinctly disjointed, yet cohesive manner.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006):

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