Nude Tuesday

Nude Tuesday

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2022 (2022)
Founder	Armağan Ballantyne, Jackie van Beek
Headquarters	New Zealand
Products	Comedy film

Nude Tuesday (presented as Nûde Tuęsdäy) is a 2022 comedy motion picture co-written by Armağan Ballantyne and Jackie van Beek, with Ballantyne also directing. The story unfolds on an imagined Pacific island, centering on Laura and Bruno (portrayed by van Beek and Damon Herriman) as they participate in a contemporary spiritual retreat aimed at salvaging their relationship. The entire dialogue is delivered in a constructed language, accompanied by English subtitles. There are three distinct subtitle versions: one crafted by British comedian Julia Davis, another featuring an alternative narrative created by Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng alongside Australian comedian Celia Pacquola, and a version presented without any subtitles.

Premise

Laura (Jackie Van Beek) and Bruno (Damon Herriman) reside on Zǿbftąņ, a fictional island located northwest of Hawai’i in the Pacific. Following a failed professional presentation and a disappointing anniversary dinner, they decide to rejuvenate their marriage by attending Ẅønđeulä, a couples' retreat overseen by the spiritual leader Bjorg Rasmussen (Jemaine Clement).

Cast

• Jackie van Beek as Laura
• Damon Herriman as Bruno
• Jemaine Clement as Bjorg Rasmussen
• Ian Zaro as Rufus
• Chelsie Preston Crayford as Julie
• Ghenoa Gela as Rakel
• Byron Coll as Finnius
• Yvette Parsons as Margaret
• Chris Bunton as Louis
• Chris Parker as Stefan
• Jodie Rimmer as Diane
• Roy Billing as Aldo
• Sarah Peirse as Felicity

Production

Initially written in English, the script was later altered into nonsensical speech to highlight the film’s central theme of communication breakdown. Though rehearsed in English, the actors performed entirely in the invented language Zǿbftąņlik, which was developed by Wellington-based voice coach Perry Piercy. Drawing inspiration from Nordic sounds, this language was designed to make the cast appear unified in their speech. Piercy collaborated with four performers using Fitzmaurice Voicework methods to encourage improvisation. While most vocabulary was spontaneously created, certain words have fixed meanings, such as "tula" for thank you and "vilm" for please. Occasionally, the character Bjorg Rasmussen incorporates English expressions.

Filming locations included Auckland and Queenstown-Lakes District on New Zealand’s South Island, specifically at Wonderland Lodge in Makarora and Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Post-production involved British comedian Julia Davis crafting one subtitle version over three months without access to the original screenplay; these subtitles diverge considerably from the initial script. An alternate subtitled narrative was developed by Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng and Australian comedian Celia Pacquola. The New Zealand and UK releases utilize Davis’ subtitles, whereas most other international markets employ the Chieng-Pacquola version. At the Sydney Film Festival in Australia, Davis’ subtitles were featured; however, streaming platforms will present the alternative subtitle track.

Soundtrack

The film's music includes cover renditions of songs such as Phil Phillips' "Sea of Love", Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's "Islands in the Stream", The Zombies' "Time of the Season", and Talking Heads' "Road to Nowhere", all performed in the fictional language Zǿbftąņlik. These covers were mainly recorded by Moniker, a group formed by members of indie rock band The Phoenix Foundation, who also contributed to the soundtrack of Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). Vocals on "Road to Nowhere" and a track from The Weeping Jester, an imaginary album attributed to Bjorg Rasmussen’s character, are provided by Jemaine Clement. Perry Piercey authored the Zǿbftąņlik lyrics.

Release

The movie had its debut on 10 June 2022 at the Sydney Film Festival and was subsequently available online during the Tribeca Film Festival on 11 June 2022. It was widely distributed in New Zealand theaters starting 16 June, followed by its release in Australian cinemas on 23 June, and became accessible for streaming on Stan beginning 7 July.

Reception

Critics responded favorably to the film, which holds an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average score of 6.9 out of 10. Reviews highlighted that although the narrative may feel somewhat extended for a full-length feature, Nude Tuesday distinguishes itself as a notably inventive and often amusing experimental project.