A Joyful Reunion: Friendship, Catch-Ups, and City Adventures
Two close friends, Em (Emmanuelle Mattana) and Jessie (Melissa Gan), are about to spontaneously reunite after not having seen each other in person for quite some time. Naturally, excitement is in the air as the pair catch up on their work lives and share updates about their families while walking through the busy, noisy city streets. Their catch-up continues at a local coffee shop, though they get a little lost along the way due to the excitement of finally being together again.
Friendship, Secrets, and Heartfelt Conversations in Melbourne
Through their discussions, it becomes clear that it has been years since Em and Jessie last saw each other, so there is a lot to catch up on. Em continues her career as a high-flying lawyer, while Jessie leads a more relaxed lifestyle, focusing on selling plants and spending her free time playing video games. As the pair continue their adventures around Melbourne, playful conversations and many heartfelt moments follow. Most importantly, Em reveals a dark secret to Jessie —one that has been weighing heavily on her. How will the day end for these two lifelong friends?
Fwends: A Charming Australian Comedy-Drama Exploring Life and Friendship
Fwends is an Australian comedy and drama film. Given the long-term friendship of the two lead characters, the pair share plenty of random conversations- some silly, some loud, and at times deeply personal- as they confide in one another and explore the complexities of life. The film was directed by Sophie Somerville, whose past work includes the short films Linda 4 Eva (2023) and Peeps (2019). Fwends also marks Sophie’s feature-length debut. It is worth noting that Sophie co-wrote the movie along with Melissa Gan and Emmanuelle Mattana, who also star in the film.
The Heart of Fwends: Drama, Meaningful Conversations, and the Power of Friendship
When looking at the two genres presented here, I found the dramatic aspects more appealing as a viewer. It is a fantastic concept to see two best friends reuniting and wandering through the beautiful city of Melbourne while engaging in meaningful conversations. The dramatic moments are often unexpected, surprising, and at times hard-hitting, given the variety of themes and topics introduced. I appreciate how this film highlights the importance of friendship, especially during difficult times, even if it simply means having someone there to listen and offer support.
Melbourne on Display: Scenic Locations, Charming Details, and Atmospheric Storytelling
Set entirely in Melbourne, the city is on show, and it is clear that Somerville is passionate about showcasing it as much as possible. The leads visit well-known landmarks as well as nature-filled spots around the city. Each location feels visually fitting and adds to the film’s sense of atmosphere. The backgrounds look beautiful throughout, especially as Jessie shares her favourite places —from striking architecture to small, personal details, such as introducing Em to her favourite tree, which she says feels like it hugs her back. Little touches, like the inclusion of trams and conversations about the weather, are charming additions that enhance the film’s personality.
Dialogue and Pacing: When Improvisation and Public Interference Distract
Sadly, when it comes to the dialogue, not everything worked for me. While the dramatic elements are presented well, the comedy and casual banter did not fully engage me. Much of the dialogue feels ad-libbed and improvised, as the pair continually try to keep the conversation going by introducing random topics or expanding on one-liners. Some discussions go on longer than I would have preferred, and at times, as harsh as it sounds, I stopped caring. One scene, where Em is yelling and singing into a Bluetooth microphone, drags on far too long. It feels like it should have been a powerful moment, yet it comes across as weak and nonsensical. While it is enjoyable to see Em and Jessie explore Melbourne with their constant chatter, some scenes feature members of the public smiling at the actors or glancing directly at the camera as they pass. It is a minor issue and often unavoidable, but I cannot deny that it occasionally pulled me out of the film.
Fwends: Celebrating Friendship and Melbourne, Despite Uneven Comedy and Pacing
Fwends (2025) will be available at BIFF 2025!
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Friday 27th November – 30th November 2025
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Published: 9th November 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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