The Justice of Bunny King

2021

1 hr. 41 min.

Drama

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95%

43 Reviews

Tomatometer

100%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Bunny King is a mother of two with a sketchy past and a razor sharp tongue. While battling the system to reunite with her children, a confrontation leads her to take her niece Tonyah under her wing. With the world against her and Tonyah, Bunny's battle has just begun.

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Critics Consensus

A mother's fierce love fuels the drama in The Justice of Bunny King -- and it's rendered even more combustible thanks to Essie Davis' incendiary performance.

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Lee R

Started off slow but treatment of Bunny builds sympathy against the corrupt government system which steals children from their parents to indoctrinate them into their lies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/30/23

Full Review

Teri J

Excellent movie. Just about rewatched it as soon as it was over. You can just feel the desperation in Bunny to simply be with her kids. And it makes you see how fast things can spiral out of control when it's love and truth vs. lies and blame.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/29/23

Full Review

matthew d

It's very depressing, but honest about social services. New Zealand director Gaysorn Thavat's indie drama The Justice of Bunny King (2021) is very touching. It's probably the most depressing film I've seen since Babyteeth or The Florida Project. Gaysorn Thavat's direction is very empathetic and lively for a quiet, indie picture. I appreciated the moments of levity to counter the ultra dark reveals and heartbreaking truths. I found it moving and realistic. Her pleasant and earnest style makes for an engaging 101 minutes. Editor Cushla Dillon's sleek cuts feel striking and hold my interest. Cinematographer Ginny Loane's beautiful camerawork is lovely. The Justice of Bunny King is well shot with an intimate feel like you're right there for Bunny and Tonyah's tragic journey. Writers Sophie Henderson, Gregory King, and Gaysorn Thavat critique the inadequate and unhelpful social services for single mothers and foster children. It's a strong feature film debut for Gaysorn Thavat. Australian actress Essie Davis gives a powerhouse performance of subtle devastation as Bunny King. Her desperate battle for custody of her own children after an unfair sentencing is very upsetting. Essie Davis is an impressive dramatic actress with astonishing acting in The Babadook, Babyteeth, True History of the Kelly Gang, and now The Justice of Bunny King. New Zealand actress Thomasin McKenzie is very sorrowful as the melancholic Tonyah. I found her lovable and sullen in a wonderful supporting role. Once we found out why McKenzie's so distanced in personality, I was earnestly distraught. What a messed up movie. The supporting New Zealand cast are very nice too. Production designer Rosie Guthrie's house sets range from messy impoverished abodes to fancier new apartments. Art direction from Mark Grenfell and Brooke Darlison holds on hurt faces and astonished eyes full of guilt or loathing. Composer Karl Steven's sweet and melancholic film score is very pretty and understated. I found Karl Steven's music really stunning, honestly. Sound designers Steve Finnigan, Thomas Miskin, and Bruno Barrett-Garnier emphasize the rushing cars or still homes filled with awkward silence. Costume designer Kirsty Cameron has neat casual wear for the outfits in The Justice of Bunny King. Essie's blue suit jacket and pink blouse are cute. I found Thomasin's layered sweaters and sweatpants fun. Stefan Knight's make-up looks very natural. Overall, The Justice of Bunny King is worth seeing if you want a genuinely depressing drama with powerful acting.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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David W

Essie Davis just brilliant. Script a little unrealistic in parts.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Adele _

What a beautiful beautiful movie, with such heart. Incredible performances by Essie Davis and Thomasin Mckenzie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/22

Full Review

Lynn R

Essie Davis' performance is astounding and holds this story together. She brings you inside Bunny's experience and profound love for her children. Come to this film willing to be open and moved.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/01/22

Full Review

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Gaysorn Thavat

Director

Thomasin McKenzie

Tonyah

Essie Davis

Bunny

Ryan O'Kane

Detective Jerry Goodman

Lively Nili

Semu

Bridie Sisson

Robin

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The Justice of Bunny King: Trailer 1

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Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

A grim social-realist drama from New Zealand that labors to twist its narrative into a redemptive arc, “The Justice of Bunny King” has an unsteady tone to match its ungainly title.

Sep 29, 2022

Full Review

Sheila O'Malley

RogerEbert.com

[Essie Davis] outdoes herself.

Rated: 4/4

Sep 23, 2022

Full Review

David Ehrlich

indieWire

If the movie itself can be as clumsy and erratic as its heroin, Davis’ performance holds it all together with the power of centrifugal force.

Rated: B-

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Thavat tells Bunny’s story with a clear-eyed empathy that reminded me of Laurie Collyer’s equally powerful Sunlight Jr.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Bill Bria

Vague Visages

It’s a testament to the strength of these lead actresses that Thavat basically stays out of their way craft-wise, capturing the characters in real locations with immediacy.

Jun 6, 2023

Full Review

Freda Cooper

The People's Movies

The story takes us in a variety of directions, leading us one way, then another, but they all make total sense and deepen our understanding. A feelgood film it may not be. Good it most certainly is.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 23, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Bunny King is a mother of two with a sketchy past and a razor sharp tongue. While battling the system to reunite with her children, a confrontation leads her to take her niece Tonyah under her wing. With the world against her and Tonyah, Bunny's battle has just begun.

Director: Gaysorn Thavat
Screenwriter: Sophie Henderson
Production Co: Firefly Films, New Zealand Film Commission, Madman Entertainment
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 30, 2022

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