OPPOSITES attract in a most delightful way in Taika Waititi’s quirky, low budget comedy.
 From the beautiful stop-go animation of the opening credits, Eagle Vs Shark refuses to pander to our expectations, propelling its mismatched central couple on a madcap journey of self-discovery. When the hapless hero despondently asks if he is a loser his unlikely soulmate responds in the most succinct and perfect way imaginable by simply saying: “Doesn’t matter.” The lady of few words is Lily Mackinnon (Horsley), a shrinking violet who lives with her brother Damon (Tobeck) and spends thankless days serving at the Meaty Boy burger bar. Lily clings on to her sanity by writing songs in her bedroom and by dreaming about shaggy-haired Jarrod Lough (Clement), a regular customer with an identical mole on his top lip. Gate-crashing Jarrod’s animal-themed party, Lily impresses the host by thrashing all-comers at his favourite video-game, Fight Man. Romance blossoms and Lily agrees to accompany Jarrod to his hometown, where she charms his eccentric family. Verdict: Eagle Vs Shark is a painfully funny love story with an off-kilter perspective on the world. From the first moment we see Horsley’s misfit standing in front of her bedroom mirror, playing out imaginary conversations with Jarrod, we fall hopelessly in love with Lily. She is so sweet and innocent, and relentlessly optimistic despite all the misfortune and missed opportunities. Clement’s character grows on us steadily as he reveals chinks in his armour, mellowing from the angry young man who berates his sister to the sensitive soul with a creative streak and a penchant for novelty candles. New Zealand writer-director Waititi demonstrates a fine ear for dialogue, but he uses it sparingly. The excruciating, awkward silences, when characters struggle to say something meaningful and draw a blank, are just as important as their considered, heartfelt outbursts. He also directs with assurance, book-marking each chapter of the courtship with a lovingly crafted animation. The climactic fight, when Jarrod squares up to his childhood nemesis is like the rest of the film – a knockout. | 
