1. The Arrival and the “Bad Egg”
The film opens with a police car driving through the vast, green New Zealand wilderness. Paula (the social worker) and Andy (the police officer) drop Ricky Baker off at a remote farm. Paula describes Ricky as a “real bad egg,” listing his crimes like graffiti and kicking things. We meet Bella, who is warm and eccentric, and Hec, who is silent and carries a dead pig,instantly showing the “city vs. country” culture clash.
2. The First Night & The Hot Water Bottle
That night, Ricky tries to run away. He only makes it about 200 metres into the bush before he gets tired and falls asleep. Bella finds him in the morning, but instead of being angry or punishing him, she offers him breakfast. Bella leaves a hot water bottle in his bed, which is a huge moment in the story; it’s the first time someone has shown Ricky genuine, soft kindness without judging him.
3. The Montage: Settling In
We see a montage (a series of short clips) showing Ricky starting to enjoy farm life. He learns to use a rifle, helps with chores, and starts to bond with Bella. The bright, upbeat music and fast editing show that time is passing and Ricky is finally feeling at home. He tells her about the Haikus that he wrote after speaking to a counsellor, which are funny but also highlight the tough time he has endured.
4. Ricky’s Birthday
Bella throws Ricky a birthday party. She gives him a real dog, which he names Tupac. She also sings a hilariously awkward, homemade “Ricky Baker” song while playing a small keyboard. For the first time in the film, Ricky looks truly happy because he has found a “family.”
5. Bella’s Death & Funeral
The chapter ends with a sudden, shocking twist. While hanging out the washing, Bella collapses. She dies in Hec’s arms as Ricky is walking back from the fields. Hec’s crying signals the end of the scene and it moves quickly to the funeral, where only a few people are at the chapel as the priest gives a strange eulogy as Ricky and Hec sit behind the coffin. The chapter ends after Hec and Ricky leave the funeral early and drive home.
Film Techniques
If you have to write about this chapter, keep these three things in mind:
- Juxtaposition: This is when you put two opposite things side-by-side. Waititi puts the happy birthday scene right next to the death scene to make the loss feel even more sudden and “unfair.”
- The Narrative Arc: Chapter 1 serves as the Exposition. It introduces the characters and makes us love Bella, so that when she dies, the audience feels the same loss that Ricky does.
- Symbolism: The Hot Water Bottle represents comfort and motherhood, while Tupac the dog represents Ricky’s new identity and his first real “best friend.”
Question:
- How does the director show contrast in the opening scene?
- Are there any funny moments in the opening scene? Explain with reference to the film.
- How does the director use sound effects to capture the audience’s attention? Explain with reference.
- What does the hot water bottle symbolise in the film? Explain your answer.
- How does Bella react to Ricky running away? Is this a surprising reaction? Explain.
- Describe the relationship between Ricky and Hec in the opening chapter.
- How do we know that Ricky is happy on the day of his birthday? Explain
- How do you feel about Bella’s death? Explain your answer.