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We Were Dangerous

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We Were Dangerous

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1h 23m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Set in 1954 New Zealand, We Were Dangerous follows Nellie and Daisy, two delinquent girls attempting to escape their institution. After being caught, they are transferred to a remote island facility. There, they form a trio with Lou, a well-to-do newcomer, and together they challenge the authority of the strict Matron. As they rebel against a system, they find strength in their friendship, questioning faith and authority in a world that seeks to control them.

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (LAist)

These extraordinary young actresses, every single one of them... It's a beautiful film.

Apr 9, 2025

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David Ehrlich

IndieWire

It’s a hopeful — sometimes borderline exuberant — rallying cry for girls to stick together across the various divides that people use to disempower them.

Rated: B-

Mar 9, 2024

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Tom Meek

Cambridge Day

The driving force to the film is the playful kinship between the trio (aided by the chemistry among the three performers) and their never-give-in resolve despite the dead-end hopelessness of their situations.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 19, 2025

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Romey Norton

Film Focus Online

It's a cinematic rebellion, but it never loses its heart. With themes of resistance, friendship, and reclaiming power, it's a strong feminist piece that will stand the test of time.

Rated: 4/5

May 15, 2025

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Cate Marquis

We Are Movie Geeks

New Zealand director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu's satiric WE WERE DANGEROUS is surprising - entertaining, funny yet terrifying, as these three independent girls resist the institution's efforts to break their spirits...

Rated: 3.5 out of 4

May 11, 2025

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Jeff Mitchell

Phoenix Film Festival

‘We Were Dangerous’ is a convincing, captivating, and concerning coming-of-age tale.

Rated: 3/4

May 10, 2025

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Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu

Director

Erana James

Nellie

Nathalie Morris

Lou

Rima Te Wiata

The Matron

Manaia Hall

Daisy

Maddie Dai

Screenwriter

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We Were Dangerous: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Set in 1954 New Zealand, We Were Dangerous follows Nellie and Daisy, two delinquent girls attempting to escape their institution. After being caught, they are transferred to a remote island facility. There, they form a trio with Lou, a well-to-do newcomer, and together they challenge the authority of the strict Matron. As they rebel against a system, they find strength in their friendship, questioning faith and authority in a world that seeks to control them.

Director: Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu
Producer: Morgan Waru, Polly Fryer
Screenwriter: Maddie Dai
Distributor: The Forge
Production Co: Piki Films, Fit Via Vi Film Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 4, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 23m