'The Merger' DVD: About an Aussie Bloke

The Indiepix Films January 21, 2020 DVD release of the charmingly amusing 2018 Australian comedy "The Merger" reminds viewers of the appeal of timeless films that do not rely on shock and/or awe. 

As the following trailer illustrates, "Merger" includes many elements of classic "small" films. The most obvious example is "About a Boy" that has a middle-aged manchild bond with a quirky lad. The aspect of a group of eccentric working-class blokes on a mission with heavy social commentary evokes thoughts of "The Full Monty."

"Merger" writer Damian Callinan stars as former football (which seems to be a combination of rugby and soccer) star/current town pariah Troy Carrington, who is living a life of semi-isolation in Bodgy Creek. The aforementioned youngster is Neil, who is perpetually clad in a chicken suit and is making an unauthorized documentary about Troy. 

The "A Story" is that a series of setback threatens the local football team with the titular union with another local team; persuading Troy to coach is determined to be the lesser evil. Of course, Neil figuratively remains in center field throughout. 

The "B Story" is that Bodgy Creek, which is experiencing an economic downturn that is attributable to Troy, is a refuge city with many foreigners who are escaping almost-certain death. Much of the conflict here relates to the competition for the limited number of jobs. These newcomers also become integral members of the team.

The aforementioned charm relates to these people who live simply and are not shy about speaking their minds or sharing their, wit, wisdom, and woes. 

All of this provides Troy plenty of challenges as he tries to build a cohesive group; one of the most memorable scenes has him explain the boundaries of the field.

Of course, playing together causes the men from different worlds to bond as they come to better understand each other; this also provides exceptional humor.

It is equally predictable that all this comes down to the big game. Team Troy already has won in that they now are a band of brothers; this makes whether they have the highest score at the end of the day entirely irrelevant.