What’s it about?
Bodgy Creek’s footy club has no players, no coach, and (unless they merge with a just-as-shitty club) no future … could prodigal son, former AFL rising star and “town killer” Troy Carrington find redemption by saving the Roosters with a motley crew of refugees?
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: it’s been a long time between drinks for heart-warming Australian comedies, but The Merger is here to shout a round (beer or cordial), rouse a cheer, and yes, coax a tear. There’s romance without being gushy, there’s a morality tale without being preachy, there’s a bratty kid who’s actually pretty damn cool (Raffety Grierson is a revelation), and there’s lots of down-to-earth swearing to remind you of this country’s heart. Shit yeah.
Based on Damian Callinan’s stage play (which is now on my must-see list), The Merger is destined to join other Aussie favourites like The Castle, Red Dog andThe Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in shining a light on who we are as a people through topical and controversial issues that actually date back over 200 years.
#GoRoosters