Pike River is an upcoming New Zealand drama film. Directed by Robert Sarkies, it stars Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm.

Pike River
Directed byRobert Sarkies
Written byFiona Samuel
Produced by
  • Vicky Pope
  • Timothy White
  • Robert Sarkies
Starring
CinematographyGin Loane
Edited byPeter Roberts
Music byKarl Sölve Steven
Production
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Distributed by
CountryNew Zealand
LanguageEnglish

Premise

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Based on the Pike River Mine disaster of 2010, the story follows the subsequent, years-long battle for justice led by Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two friends whose respective husband and son—along with 27 other workers—were killed during an underground explosion.

Cast

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  • Melanie Lynskey as Anna Osborne
  • Robyn Malcolm as Sonya Rockhouse
  • Lucy Lawless as Helen Kelly
  • Erroll Shand as Pete Cahill
  • Madeleine McCarthy as Alisha Osborne
  • Ben Porter as Rob Osbourne
  • John Leigh as Milton Osborne
  • Peter Tait as Rowdy Durbridge
  • Jordan Mooney as Tony Sutorius
  • Tim Gordon as Bernie Monk
  • Elizabeth Hawthorne as Kath Monk
  • Hamish McEwen as Daniel Rockhouse
  • Richard Crouchley as Ben Rockhouse
  • Jeff Kingsford-Brown as Neville Rockhouse
  • Ian Mune as "Rocky" Rockhouse

Production

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Pike River was shot on location in Greymouth, New Zealand between November and December 2023.[1][2] Speaking to Variety in May 2024, producer Vicky Pope described the film as "Erin Brockovich meets Norma Rae – New Zealand's own version, gutsy and real", and said of the casting, "We are so thrilled about the powerhouse partnership of [Lynskey] and [Malcolm] ... two incredible actresses playing two incredible women".[3]

References

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  1. ^ Ritman, Alex (2 November 2023). "Production Underway for NZ Film Based on the Pike River Mine Tragedy". New Zealand Film Commission. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  2. ^ Simich, Ricardo (21 March 2024). "Pike River movie to star Robyn Malcom and Melanie Lynskey? - Spy". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  3. ^ Ritman, Alex (9 May 2024). "Melanie Lynskey, Robyn Malcolm to Lead 'Pike River' Thriller About New Zealand Mining Disaster, Signature Launching Sales in Cannes (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
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