Scarfies follows a group of Dunedin Uni students who live as squatters in an abandoned and dilapidated share house. Before long the group discover a grow shed in the basement, filled with marijuana plants that they duly harvest and sell off to a local dealer.
Then one day a violent intruder arrives, incensed at the disappearance of his weed, leaving the uni students with no choice but to tie him up and lock him in the basement. Threats are uttered and plans are hatched as friendships are strained and tensions rise.
Scarfies is humourous, perceptive and enjoyable. Certainly the presence of Taika Waititi as Alex elevates matters as he brings charm and dissonance to proceedings. Dunedin provides a wonderful backdrop as a fabulous NZ university town, with a top rugby team too, of course.
(is that) "D for Dunedin?"
(no) "it's D for Dump!"