Eagle vs Shark 2007

In the quiet, yet vibrant world of Wellington, Lily (a shy songwriter with a penchant for creating melodies in solitude) toils away at a fast food joint, her heart secretly pining for Jarrod, a bespectacled video game aficionado who runs his own store. Their paths converge when Jarrod hands Lily an invitation to his eccentric “dressed as your favourite animal” party, meant for her coworker Jenny, but instead, she salvages the ticket and attends with her kind-hearted brother Damon by her side.

The party, a gathering of misfits clad in elaborate animal costumes, is a testament to Jarrod’s unique taste. Lily’s striking shark getup and impressive gaming skills earn her a spot in Jarrod’s eyes, leading to an intimate evening in his apartment, where they share their painful pasts - Lily’s parents having passed away from heart attacks, while Jarrod’s mother and brother are deceased as well. As the night wears on, their emotions culminate in a tender kiss, followed by a fleeting moment of passion.

The next day, Jarrod extends an invitation to take their budding romance public, but his absence at the agreed-upon meeting spot leaves Lily feeling abandoned. He later apologizes, confessing that he was struggling with depression and needed solitude. This revelation is tempered by his plan to confront Eric, his high school tormentor, but the lack of a vehicle poses a significant hurdle. Enter Damon, who generously offers Jarrod a ride to his hometown - Tītahi Bay, a mere 30 kilometers from their current whereabouts.

The trio embarks on this journey, with Damon’s apples serving as an unconventional symbol for Jarrod and Lily’s blossoming relationship, which will be revisited in creative claymation sequences throughout the film. Upon arrival, Lily discovers that Jarrod’s family is every bit as peculiar as he is. His sister and brother-in-law peddle dubious products, his father remains withdrawn, using a wheelchair, while Jarrod’s young daughter Vinny, born of a chance encounter, also resides with them. With limited space indoors, Jarrod and Lily are forced to pitch a tent in the backyard for the night.

As their relationship deepens, Jarrod becomes increasingly obsessed with winning his father’s approval and preparing for his long-awaited showdown with Eric, whom he learns will be visiting the next day through his friend Mason, an astute computer whiz.

As Tracy (fiancée) arrives at Gordon’s residence, it becomes clear that Jarrod’s father harbors an unrequited affection for this charming individual. This revelation prompts Jarrod to make a hasty exit from his relationship with Lily, citing his preoccupation with his vengeful pursuits and his supposed complexity as the reasons for their breakup. Despite her evident distress, Lily valiantly attempts to conceal her emotions. Meanwhile, Jarrod spends the day indulging in carefree activities with Tracy on the beach.

Lily and Vinny engage in a poignant journey, pushing Jarrod’s father through the streets until they reach a hill where he refuses to proceed further, his emotions clearly overwhelmed. As they continue their ascent, the little girl reveals a shocking truth: Gordon did not perish while saving a child from a fiery inferno, as Jarrod had claimed, but instead took his own life by leaping off the cliff. This revelation is soon followed by the discovery that Jarrod has also lied about his mother’s passing.

At a family gathering, Lily attempts to lighten the mood with a humorous anecdote, eliciting laughter from the group. However, it becomes apparent that Jarrod is seething with jealousy. Later, as Jarrod’s father watches an old tape of Gordon’s racing triumphs, he feels an overwhelming sense of isolation. In response, Jarrod announces his supposed romantic involvement with Tracy to the world, prompting Lily to seek solace at a local party.

There, she succumbs to intoxication and dances with multiple individuals while Jarrod looks on with growing unease. Her night ends in a bush-filled haze, only for her to awaken to Jarrod’s scathing rebuke, his worry and anger palpable. The following afternoon finds Jarrod confronting Eric, only to discover that the latter has lost the use of his legs due to a bully’s relentless torment.

Eric apologizes profusely for his past wrongdoings, but Jarrod’s rage remains unabated. Eric easily overpowers Jarrod before relenting when Jarrod’s father intervenes. Crushed and withdrawn, Jarrod retreats into himself. Lily follows him, attempting to lift his spirits. As she prepares to depart the following day, leaving room for change, Jarrod surprises her at the bus stop with a bouquet of lilies. They reconcile, and together they embark on their journey back home.