User reviews

Wow! What an excellent production out of small town NZ and up there with the very best of local movies. This is a must see for everyone. There's plenty of action, suspense, thrills and drama. The movie took most patrons by surprise. It was exciting, getting the heart racing. The actors are engaged, realistic, convincing, believable and scary. Between them and their scenes they evoked a range of emotions from fear to horror. The story line carried us through to an interesting end with an unexpected twist. The film has great panoramic views that show case our wonderous NZ scenery. All round a valiant five year production that everyone involved can justly be proud of. Congratulations!

Unique characters and solid performances combined with excellent cinematography and iconic Marlborough scenery make this a not to be missed New Zealand thriller. The innovative modes of attack and defense keep the suspense and pace moving along in this action packed and thoughtful film. The cabin at the heart of the movie contains violence, compassion, compromise, conflicting loyalties and intrigue. Congratulations to the large team that put this together. The opening night in Blenheim showcased Marlborough wine and food and gave everyone involved the chance to come together for a memorable night,

This might be the best low budget movie ever the blood looked so real and the explosion was a chef's kiss! I loved watching this movie the cast selection was perfect the whole thing had a great plot the crew did a great job working on the cabin and effects and especially controlling the drones holding the bombs I watched this movie three times and made my day the movie being made back in November 2019 was still amazing that it took 3 years to release and produce Aaron did an impressive job this is why I gave it a 10 star and you guys should too if you watch the whole movie it's more Marvelous!

What an outstanding achievement by these inspired and dedicated indie film makers. Gripping, tense and tender, Northspur explores human nature under pressure, asking the question: how far are you willing to go to protect the ones you love? The acting is exceptional and Marshall Napier's performance is especially riveting. I was also blown away by the kids who did so well in their intense dramatic roles The action sequences are inventive, exciting and impressively brutal. Great writing and the cinematography is beautiful, all shot on location in the Nelson/Malborough region (holy moly, those opening credits), with an awesome cast. All of this works together to make Northspur a gritty, action packed, yet heart warming film!

Wasn't really sure what to expect but was not disappointed. A gritty thriller in a world that's believable with today's global issues Superbly written and casted. What stunning scenery we have here in the top of the south absolutely blown away excellent. Not to mention the red carpet experience of the Nelson premier. Your passion dedication and hard work really show through in what I can only describe as a master class of story telling and movie making. I can't wait till your next movie and hope you will continue to make more. To show the world what we can do not only in the top of the south but in New Zealand as well this is a movie we can all be proud to say is a kiwi film. Well done every one who helped make this movie happen.

Congratulations on a first class film. Very realistic and so much better than I expected. Lots of action and very good cinematography with plenty of realistic action moments which show the calibre of the makeup artists and stunt people. Good story line with a couple of unexpected twists and some gold throw away lines which had everyone laughing. The actors were really good and believable. Loved Joshua McKenzies and Delaney Babron's performances and Marshall Napier was outstanding. The two children showcase the quality of our young actors too. So great to see a home grown movie, filmed in our own back yard hit the big screen. Congratulations everyone. Enjoy the accolades. Well deserved.

The Story line with many turns kept me captivated wondering how each family outcome would eventuate. Two young actors were amazing showing so much emotion throughout the film, Josh and Marshall carried their parts off well keeping us captivated throughout the whole movie. The action scenes definitely kept us on the edge of our seats, was impressive! On a different note, the credits were clear and readable which is a credit to all involved. Thanks for using the fabulous Marlborough area for your background made a beautiful setting to the film! A massive congratulations to Aaron Falvey (director) a Marlborough local.

While there were a few small holes in the plot, the movie overall is of exceptional quality, especially factoring in the tiny pool of talent it drew from (the top of the South Island NZ, there's not exactly a huge abundance of people to choose from here). The acting was very well done from both the major and minor characters, the humor was on point and not used too often, and the props and environmental design were quite impressive, especially, again, considering the budget and talent pool. All in all a very good watch and hopefully a snapshot of what's to come from the Top of the South film industry in the coming decades. Proud to be living in the region where this film was produced.

Set in the stunning Nelson/Marlborough region of New Zealand, this "defend your turf", "family comes first", "where did he get a hand grenade from?" film is genuinely a good watch! With it's stunning backdrop, the cabin in the woods is a classic NZ shack that sees itself home to some quirky one liners and emotional interactions between some classic Australasian actors and some promising young talent. I found myself chuckling when I was meant to, gripped when I needed to be and in the most part, entertained the whole way through. I think this film is very well constructed and may well, in years to come, be a secret favourite amongst NZ film lovers. A must see to support independent film making! Congratulations to all involved.

The quality of this movie is up there with the best and if you didn't already know that it was a very low budget feature, you would never guess. There is no time for your mind to wander off elsewhere, it was action, suspense and entertainment from start to finish, both times that I viewed it. The main actors were all strong and believable and it was easy to follow the stories going on between what was happening at the battle cabin, what was happening at home and also at the villain's den. Marshall Napier in his final film was magnificent and it is easy to see why he chose to take the role. The base story is simple, although it has twists and turns, and it's share of violence caused by 2 years of desperate times and illnesses following an attack on NZ, isolating it from the rest of the world.

This is a movie men will enjoy as well as women.

This is not a film that I would normally be interested in seeing, but I found it really enjoyable. It is high action, high tension, engaging, well paced, no flagging - very impressed with cinematography, sound and acting. The invention in story twist and turns and special effects really admirable, and the top of the South Island setting made it even more enjoyable.

Sound and soundtrack captured the tone - I don't think I have heard NZ bush bird song sound so brilliantly since that scene with a traffic cop bonking in the car off roadside on the West Coast in Goodbye Pork Pie and that's a long way back - brilliant.

Okay, the reason for the 8 is I have never given a 10 for anything! This film is a great engaging story, with some awesome action scenes, great visuals and camera work. Casting was great, particularly Josh McKenzie as Kellan, who I feel carried the film. Was obviously great to see Marshall Napier, he really embodied the role of Summers. Nell Fisher as Tia was amazing. Such a young actor, and so talented. The setting was perfect for the post apocalyptic vibe, and the homes and cabins so well created and dressed. A very believable visual. I went into this film with the brief of being a harsh critic... Were there things I could be picky about? Yes. But only a couple of tiny things that in no way detracted from the film. I struggle with going to the cinema because as soon as I sit still I involuntarily fall asleep...but with this... I didn't struggle at any point! The genre of post apocalyptic survival has been done many times, but this felt fresh and exciting. Very enjoyable film, very believable characters, and great visuals. Well done!

Northspur is hands down a quality tribute to the spirit of independent film making; the story is unique and fresh, full of action and tension. And its plentiful charm is that it's surprisingly thoughtful, and left me thinking back over various moments for days afterwards; what else can one want from a movie that it leaves wonderful memories?

The performances from the lead actors are rich and spot on, as their deeply practical view of a world gone mad intersects and sometimes collides with a younger generations optimism for a more harmonious future.

Ive been making and enjoying films for 4 decades, and I've never been privileged to see a more unforgettably poignant moment in cinema than when Marshal Napier's character concludes his role with a beautiful smile and leaves the screen, in this case forever, as very sadly he passed away just before Northspur/Battle Cabin was released; a fine conclusion to a lifetimes work.

Call it Northspur down under, or Battle Cabin elsewhere, this is a sweetheart of a story, masquerading as an action piece, and not to be overlooked.

A modest budget accomplishment from real film makers, Northspur / Battle Cabin punches way above its weight.

Absolutely brilliant piece of film!

Fantastic performance from the late Marshall Napier and also Delaney Tabron. The cast was full of talent, which makes the end product simply amazing to watch!

This action-packed feature will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what's gonna happen next!

Superb writing from one of NZ's finest writers Just Eade. Anyone who watches Northspur will definitely be looking forward to what comes next from these guys!!

Most excellent film shot entirely in the top of the South Island of NZ!

The cinematography is great and the shots these guys captured to come together with a 10 out of 10 masterpiece.

A very enjoyable experience!!

I was lucky enough to be invited along to the world premiere of this film in Blenheim, New Zealand. I had heard about Marshall Napier's last movie but was totally unaware that I was about to see it. I will admit that when I found out Aaron was involved I was expecting something of the "zombie genre". I was surprised when I started to watch and the story line began to unfold (this could be real) The scenery was so peaceful and inviting and in stark contrast to what was happening with the characters. I was absolutely impressed with the calibre of this locally shot movie. Marshall Napier and Josh McKenzie have done great work (as have all the others involved)

'I need to help the old man who gave me the drugs... and.... I saw my dad'

This film is in a bit of a tough spot after coming home in the dark swept us all away last year, but there's a lot to love here in a campy sort of way. Even if a good deal of the elements seem cliche at times, the overarching ideas come together well, if not in quite the tone intended.

Bonus points for having an antagonist (Kali Kopae as Shell) who's clearly having a lot of fun hamming it up and chewing scenery.

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This movie did not disappoint! From the start of the story line, it kept you engaged with what was going to happen next - How far will you go to survive at all costs to get what you need to protect the ones you love? To endure endless struggles along the journey - Feeling All the emotions - Fear, Anger, Survival and most of all Love. A calibration of Talented cast - with special mention to Marshall Napier who sadly passed away this year and was perfect in his role as Summer. Hard Kiwi bloke ( soft on the inside ) who will go to all extremes to protect his Cabin. The scenery of our gorgeous top of the South captured so well with the Drone footage is stunning.

Well done to everyone involved - Fantastic to see Northspur on the big screen👏👏

Northspur takes a straightforward every man quest, set in a post apocalyptic world, and imbues it with a real heart. It's a finely crafted film, beautifully shot, on a budget, that stays with you long after the final credits have rolled.

Kellan (Josh McKenzie) must locate medicine to save the life of his love Melinda (Delany Talbon). To this end he falls in with Summers (Marshal Napier), who agrees to supply the rare medicine in return for a favor. The pacifist Kellan must help to fight off waves of attackers, all intent on taking Summers down for their own reasons. An all out war ensues and the cabin the two men are holed up in becomes ground zero for a battle of epic proportions.

Northspur is engaging from the opening. It has shades of the original Mad Max all through it, only with more of a character based story. The relationship between the two men is key to the whole film, and Napier and McKenzie imbue both characters with just the right levels of humanity and desperation.

Delany Tabron is also a joy to watch. Melinda has just as much to deal with, harassed by a sinister home intruder and taking care of her neighbour's newly orphaned child, she portrays the terror of isolation with a relatable vulnerability.

The action sequences are punchy and brutal, but Northspur shows its real edge in the way it tackles some of the darker themes in the film. Most notably the effects of domestic violence and the legacy it leaves on survivors. It handles these scenes with a refreshing honesty, one that makes the story memorable.

A strong ensemble cast backs up the leads, with Michael Hurst, Gayle Haye and Nell Fisher the standouts. The cast is large, and would be easy to lose track of if they weren't so distinctive.

The scenery is stunning. It was shot on location in New Zealand and seeing the usual fantasy backdrops transferred into the grim world of a collapsed society is unique and gives the film a real identity.

Northspur entertains on so many levels. It takes you on an action packed ride that is both engaging and memorable.

You'll love Northspur - set in a stunning location in rural New Zealand, this fast-paced action/thriller with its gripping narrative and sublime cinematography will grab your attention from the get-go! The film was extremely well cast, with convincing character portrayals, including a highly memorable performance by Marshall Napier. Northspur explores how humans might interact in extreme circumstances, if they are forced into 'survival mode' in an apocalyptic setting. So, you will get to see some brilliantly executed (violent) action scenes throughout, which are beautifully interspersed with moving, heartfelt segments, and the film's threads of faith and hope add even more layers of substance and interest. Congratulations to director Aaron Falvey, writer Justin Eade, and the amazing cast and crew of Northspur - it's a remarkable achievement and is definitely worth watching!

You wouldn't know this was a low budget movie as it draws you into an amazing cinematic experience from the start... It's a brilliant little gem of a Kiwi blockbuster with loads of clever photography .. As well as being really watchable; the writer Justin Eade creates dramatic tension in an instant which steadily increases right up to the end, where we are on the edge of our seats, rooting for our favourite characters to survive... There are some lovely grounded performances too from well known seasoned Kiwi actors mixed with a smattering of raw new talent: all helping to create a convincing and realistic tale of faith, strength, humanity and survival against all odds.

Whilst the truly epic shots of country emphasising the vast backdrop of a world lost to civilisation, Director Aaron Falvey manages to create a taunt thriller where moral questions arise .Is survival just for the fittest?

Would you survive?

You must see Northspur. An all round thrilling experience. Not for the faint hearted...and not to be missed.

Wowsers, I just saw the movie 'NorthSpur' and absolutley loved every minute of it! Such a well written cleverly intertwined story line that was extremely captivating, full of suspense with lots of twists & turns involving some great authentic and enjoyable 'Kiwi' humour. I especially was taken back & curios how at the end all the thought out layers of the story became apparent. I found this left you wondering what was next however it finished while being left open ... maybe a sequel??? Thank you so much for taking me on the beginning of an incredible journey with hopefully a lot more to come in the future.