WE WERE DANGEROUS
In 1954 New Zealand, three rebellious girls—Nellie, Daisy, and Lou—are sent to a remote island institution, where they form an unbreakable bond in defiance of their strict matron. But as cruel punishments escalate, their friendship is tested, forcing them to choose between resistance and survival.
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SYNOPSIS
In 1954 New Zealand, rebellious teens Nellie (Erana James) and Daisy (Manaia Hall) make a daring escape from an institution for delinquent girls—only to be caught and sent to an even more remote facility on an isolated island. There, they are joined by Lou (Nathalie Morris), a well-to-do newcomer, and together they navigate a harsh new world under the strict rule of a devout and domineering Matron (Rima Te Wiata). Resistant to authority, the trio form an unbreakable bond, rejecting the institution’s rigid expectations and finding solace in their friendship. But as night falls, the island reveals its darker secrets—where reformation takes a sinister turn. When experimental punishments threaten to break their spirits, Nellie and Daisy plot rebellion, only to find themselves at odds with Lou, who fears the consequences of defiance. As tensions rise, the girls must choose between survival and resistance in a place designed to erase them.
Director
Josephine Stewart Te-Whiu
WITH
Erana James, Manaia Hall, Nathalie Morris, Rima Te Wiata
Run Time
1 hour, 23 minutes
Released
April 4, 2025 (limited)
Distributor
The Forge
HEARING AND VISUAL ASSISTANCE
Assisted Listening
Country
New Zealand
SUBTITLES
None
NOT RATED
Many of the films shown at The Ross are not rated due to the prohibitive cost of acquiring a rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. Consequently, as many of these films contain graphic content, viewer discretion is advised.
REVIEWS
“It’s a hopeful — sometimes borderline exuberant — rallying cry for girls to stick together across the various divides that people use to disempower them.”
“A compelling coming-of-age story guided with intrepid force.”
“Both funny and frightening…[Enara] James will break your heart wide open with a single, silent look.”