Among the Cinders

A young New Zealand boy comes to grips with the harsh realities of adult life in this subpar drama adapted from a novel by Maurice Shadbolt. Nick Flinders (Paul O'Shea) is a teenager trying to adjust to life and his parents' unusual devotion to religion when he goes out hiking with his best friend, and the friend dies in an accident on the trip. Overwhelmed by guilt, Nick leaves home to spend time with his grandparents -- but then tragedy strikes again. Encumbered by stilted, unnatural dialogue and acting (with the exception of the grandfather), Among the Cinders burns out after the first few scenes. - Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide