Flammable Children, while released as Swinging Safari in its native Australia, takes us back to the 1970s for a nostalgic comedy.

The nostalgia starts the moment that “Spirit in the Sky” starts to play during the opening credits.  It’s from this point where writer-director Stephan Elliott wisely introduces us to the people in the neighborhood along the beach.  We’re introduced through Jeff Marsh (Atticus Robb), who serves as the narrator.  We soon meet the Halls, Jones, and Marsh families.  Before we know it, a blue whale beaches itself.  It’s an exciting moment for the children.  As for the parents, let’s just say that they decide to get it on in their own special ways.

The film takes its name from Jeff Marsh and Melissa “Melly” Jones (Darcey Wilson) from having been scarred during election night.  Henceforth, they were known as the “flammable children.”  Growing up, Melly was Jeff’s crush in grade school.  She was a girl who made the decision to appear invisible from everyone.

I had some chuckles here and there in viewing the film.  I’d be happy to give this film a second look should it ever get a proper theatrical release here in the States.  This is probably because I viewed as a screener rather than on the big screen.  Comedies play better while viewing with an audience.  On the other hand, the hair and makeup, costume and production designs do a spectacular job with recreating the time period.

DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER:  Stephan Elliott
CAST:  Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue, Radha Mitchell, Julian McMahon, Asher Keddie, with Jack Thompson and Jeremy Sims

Flammable Children screens during the 2018 Chicago International Film Festival in the Spotlight: Comedy program. A U.S. distributor has not been announced.