Dogs in Space 1987

In the vibrant Melbourne suburb of Richmond, a collective of free-spirited young people share a communal abode, fostering an environment where music, art, and self-expression reign supreme. At the heart of this eclectic ensemble are Sam (Michael Hutchence) and Tim (Nique Needles), the core members of the band Dogs in Space, who navigate their relationships with fellow housemates Anna (Saskia Post), a university student named Luchio (Tony Helou), and an enigmatic teenager known only as The Girl (Deanna Bond).

As the camera pans across this colorful cast of characters, it becomes clear that the film’s narrative is less concerned with dramatic plot twists than it is with capturing the rhythms of daily life. Moments of tenderness and intimacy are juxtaposed with wild parties filled with music, dance, and drug use, as the group’s members revel in their hedonistic lifestyle. Amidst these celebrations, characters embark on impromptu road trips to Ballarat, a charming town that holds the distinction of being Melbourne’s closest neighbor with a 24-hour convenience store. These escapades are punctuated by humorous encounters with an irascible neighbor (Joe Camilleri) and one character’s fast-talking uncle (Chris Haywood), who drops by unexpectedly, chainsaw in hand.

As the characters’ lives become increasingly intertwined, a sense of unease settles over the group, culminating in a tragic event that has far-reaching consequences: Anna’s untimely passing from a heroin overdose. Throughout this emotional journey, footage of Sputnik 2 is woven throughout the narrative, its focus on Laika (the pioneering canine space traveler) serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the boundless potential of human exploration.