Film Review #103: OVERSTEER

Film Review #103: Oversteer

Oversteer: Revving Up the Indie Racing Scene with Heart and Horsepower

Oversteer is not the high-octane Fast and Furious or Top Gear of motor racing films and series, and it may be an ambitious genre film to undertake on a shoestring budget. With dimly shot night scenes, generous use of steady cameras and close-range camera work, Oversteer  has an indie film look rather than the style, flair, scale and glamour associated with high-production race films. But director, producer, and writer Derrick Lui manages to keep his audience engaged for the entire 86 minutes of his film. Its tight storyline, reasonably strong performance, relatable characters, and some authentic racing moments will not leave you disappointed. 

The narrative entwines Fung (Aden Tan) and his vehicular passion, nurtured by his father (Zhang Yaodong), into a heartfelt coming-of-age journey. Fung's refusal to join the family business, opting instead for a hands-on life at a mechanic shop with his friend Foo (Hanrey Low), sets the stage for a tale of personal discovery and racing prowess. The film then progresses through a series of well-executed racing scenarios, despite the limited budget. Day and night scenes, city centre and borders settings, straight roads and curving hills create pure cinematic moments of speed, action, roaring engines and screeching tires. The fast-paced editing also transmit the "out-of-control" energy of racing. 

As Fung expresses in an internal monologue, referring to his on-and-off track journey, sometimes it takes "oversteering" to be able to find oneself. The presence of race cars such as the Nissan Silvia (S13), the Audi R8, the Lotus Exige S, the Porsche 911 (997), and two well-known racers - Drift Princess Ashley Wong and Fariqe Hairuman - add to the pleasures for car enthusiasts.

The film also explores the theme of taking risks for personal dreams versus surviving via conventional tracks, such as the somewhat startling but humorously rendered song piece by Fung’s eccentric boss who croons about his lost dream to be a K-pop singer, before lending money to Fung and Foo. Another isolated, and potentially out of context, action scene between Fung's sister (Grace Teo) and two boys, however lands, due to its impressive choreography that shows off the stunt actresses’ skills. Brief romantic scenes, such as the one between Fung and his wife Yun (Janassa Neo)  in their little flat shot in low-key lighting and tight frames, lucidly depict the couple’s penury and intimacy in equal measure. At the same time, repeated transitions between overview shots of the gleaming megacity and typical back alleys where the majority of the scenes take place around the car repair shop draw the audience's attention to the nuts and bolts and everyday hardships that underpin a city's modern life and facades. Although Oversteer might not possess the breath-taking cinematography and visuals of Hollywood race films, its strength lies in portraying the mundane to offer the genre a fresh look.   

*[SPOILERS AHEAD IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.*

Aden Tan's performance merits special recognition. Tan plays the lead character Fung, who is a devoted friend, an enthusiastic racer, and a caring partner, but he is also vulnerable to life's challenges. Displaying a composed demeanour that is complemented by his friend's over-the-top personality, he has us rooting for him throughout, especially when he breaks down after realising that Foo has gambled away the shop's money. As Fung collapses next to his car, literally and symbolically attempting to unsuccessfully modify the capacity to "oversteer" but instead destroying the car, the protagonist's breaking point at the end of a prolonged period of resolve is palpable and heart-breaking. This is felt in no less measure due to Tan’s sensitive and powerful display of raw emotions, a remarkable feat for a young actor. Overall, character development shines, particularly with Fung's multifaceted journey. That being said, more depth into the supporting characters and their motivations would have enriched the narrative further.

In closing, Oversteer drives its narrative with heart and authenticity. Its indie lens offers a fresh perspective on the racing genre, albeit with a few bumps along the way. Oversteer might not race with the high-budget giants, but it carves its niche, promising an engaging journey that resonates—making us keen to see what Derrick Lui and his crew will do next.

Oversteer continues its theatrical run on 3rd and 10th March 2024. Get your tickets on GV website now: https://www.gv.com.sg/GVMovieDetails?movie=2145#/movie/2145 

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