Last Magic Show, The

Aroview: Gothic New Zealand drama with a hint of romance follows a disturbed magician searching for his next great career move and a replacement assistant after having his heart trampled by his girlfriend and past stage assistant.

The latest in the line of small-budget NZ digital features is an irreverent and idiosyncratic effort driven almost single-handedly by the offbeat talents of writer/director/lead actor Andy Conlan, who pulls a few flashy tricks here and there, but never forsakes what is ultimately a rather satisfying, if slightly overworked, story of self-delusion as a shield against emotional turmoil.