Writer: Pedro Leandro, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Evan Lordan
Director: Evan Lordan
Dating can be tough. In a world full of catfishes, mismatches and ghosting, trying to find the right one can be a recipe for disaster. But, there’s someone out there for everyone, even if your tastes are a little more ‘eclectic’. When Nick and Sam meet online and discover their unique connection, they’re hungry for that first meeting, but will it also be their last? They do say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but surely that depends on what’s on the menu?
Skilled writers Pedro Leandro, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Evan Lordan have managed to take a twisted, macabre subject matter and somehow turn it into an endearingly warm rom-com. Taking inspiration from true-crime cannibal Armin Meiwes, rather than sensationalising the insane interaction, they instead take a step back and delve deeper into the potential mindsets of the characters. By building up their backstory and connection slowly and intimately, they create an adorably cute duo that you can’t help but root for, even though they both have sinister intentions beneath their light-hearted conversations.
Leandro and Loodmer-Elliott star in the show as well as contributing to the script and their connection to the writing is abundantly apparent. The quick-wit and close chemistry comes naturally to them both as they flow easily through the narrative. Lordan directs the scenes cleverly, drawing the audience in to the storyline, then breaking up the narrative with brief non-linear scenes to create even more intrigue behind the intensely suspenseful plot.
The conversations between Nick (Loodmer-Elliot) and Sam (Leandro) are enough to give anyone food for thought. Touching on climate change and world hunger, this isn’t just an entertainment piece and further highlights the trio’s talent of weaving so many layers into the show. An hour isn’t nearly long enough for how invested the audience become into the two characters, with so much to unpack, this could easily be extended for another hour and still be grippingly exciting.
If there’s one thing to say about Fiji it’s that it’s spectacularly unique. The meaty storyline has a sprinkling of true crime, a dash of romance and a pinch of witty discourse; this clever bunch have cooked up a deliciously dark and delightful production, served so perfectly – you’ll want to go back for seconds.
Runs until 25 March 2022
