Aussies love to obsess over the Hemsworths.
The aesthetically blessed lineage has produced two superstars who have graced some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises while everyone at home fanatically follows their every shoeless move around Byron Bay.
Whether we’re seeing them surfing on the beach or flexing their bulging muscles on Instagram, the Hemsworths have become their own brand. You have to admire the hustle and bustle.
And part of that branding is that Chris and Liam grab all the headlines, while older brother Luke is often relegated to “that third Hemsworth brother” despite being the firstborn.
But you know what? Luke Hemsworth can surprise you with a depth that his younger brothers have yet to convincingly demonstrate.
The older Hemsworth is one of the protagonists Bosch and Rockita tender Australian coming-of-age film about a teenage surfer burdened by two very slack parents.
Hemsworth plays the father, Bosch, a hapless criminal who rushes his son Rockit (Rasmus King) on the road when a fire burns his drug crop. Needing to get away from the law and his criminal partners to whom he owes a lot of money, Bosch tells Rockit that they are going on a spontaneous surfing holiday in Byron Bay.
Rockit is the quintessential surfer boy, chasing waves and a girl, Ash (Savannah La Rain), and thinks the world of his dad.
Bosch is not a model parent. It’s okay to send Rockit off with some money and instructions not to return until at least midnight, so he can pursue his own love interest, Deb (Isabel Lucas).
Hemsworth impresses in a complicated role that requires him not to lose the audience despite his character’s actions. Because Bosch is a character who still deserves empathy. He’s not doing his best, but it’s always the best he can do at the moment.
You never doubt that he loves his son, he just has no idea how to be a good father.
Writer-director Tyler Atkins based the film on his life story, infusing the film with great compassion for a complicated relationship characterized by ups and downs, joys and disappointments, because what is love if not fallible?
Atkins and Hemsworth splash a father’s imperfect love across the screen in a performance that is sometimes frantic and sometimes subtle. Hemsworth’s range is a revelation. This is exactly the kind of film that allows him to showcase those talents.
The film itself is an engaging story that also features the beautiful backdrop of the NSW North Coast and stunning photography to capture it.
It also features a phenomenal performance from King, a professional surfer who holds the screen with his magnetic presence. King is one to watch and not just because he’ll be playing Daniel Johns’ on-screen avatar in the Silverchair musician’s upcoming film.
Bosch and Rockit it’s no longer the kind of film Chris or Liam would make – they’re past their serious, low-budget indie phase, and Chris in particular has a penchant for paycheck-driven blockbusters.
All power to them, but often when you’re comfortable, they don’t challenge you creatively. Luke, as the big brother, has just shown them what they can be if they take more risks.
Evaluation: 3/5
Bosch & Rockit is now in cinemas