Peas and Carrots is an independent sci-fi, drama, music comedy directed by Evan Oppenheimer. The movie follows a girl called Joey whose parents used to be a famous and had one-hit-wonder band in the ‘90s. Following in her parents’ footsteps, she decides to start a band with them and her siblings. Each night Joey magically gets transported to an alternative universe and reality where she becomes an extra in a film, this leads to a unique and impactful journey Joey goes on, while at the same time, Joey is trying to understand why people are saying Peas and Carrots. 

Peas and Carrots is a fantastic film that has a great story but also teaches you more about the world of filmmaking and acting. You feel like you are there with Joey and just as much trying to piece together what is happening along with her. The film does a great job of building mystery and emotion at the same time, which kept me invested and engaged throughout.  One of the main reasons I really enjoyed the film, is that it shows the magic of movies—how they’re made, the craft of acting, and everything that happens behind the scenes. It celebrates storytelling and performance in a way that feels both entertaining and insightful, especially if you’re someone who loves acting and filmaking. The cast are all great but Kirrilee Berger shines and is fantastic and relatable as Joey. She is an extremely talented actress and has great chemistry with all the cast. As the film progresses we see her character take on different styles of roles showcasing her acting abilities. Another highlight is how this film shows how movies are made which is interesting. I also liked the dynamic between Joey her friend Nick (Krishna Doodnauth) and the Teacher (Kelly Mcandrew) The teacher is a surprisingly funny character and Kelly brings lots of comedic moments to her role. The comedy in this film isn’t done in an over-the-top way, but is more subtle and dry in my opinion, which I think actually makes it funnier and suits the film’s tone. Kirrilee could also be really funny as Joey, sometimes just through her facial expressions when she’s confused. Peas and Carrots is also a film centred around music, which results in a strong soundtrack and instrumental score. There are some great songs and even a fun musical moment throughout the film. All the cast have great voices. I was lucky enough to chat with Kirrilee Berger who told me she also choreographed the film’s dance scenes.  Family is a central theme in the story and plays a significant role throughout the plot. The behind-the-scenes footage shown at the end of the film highlights the strong bond between the cast and crew, showcasing how much they feel like a family. I also loved Joey’s outfits and shoes in the alternate universe — they were bright, colourful, and elegant, with a fun, summery vibe that felt straight out of a teen high school movie, like something you’d see on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon.

Peas and Carrots was good but I did have two very minor things I wish they could have added. The film ends with a post-credit scene that leaves it on a small cliffhanger but I wish they had expanded that scene slightly more. I would have liked to have seen a possible romance story between Nick and Joey. I had also hoped to see a possible romance between Nick and Joey. These are very small minor things but it doesn’t take away from the movie’s enjoyment 

Overall, Peas and Carrots is a fantastic film with a unique and engaging story, a brilliant cast, and a celebration of the magic of films, acting and music. Kirrilee delivers a great performance that brings depth and charm to her character. The movie also leaves you with a good message. I highly recommend this film and I hope we get a sequel. 4 🌟