Hibiscus & Ruthless

Hibiscus (Suivai Pilisipi Autagavaia, from short Manurewa) and no nonsense Ruth (Anna-Maree Thomas) have been friends since school. But now Hibiscus is finishing university, and her domineering mother doesn't want boyfriends getting in the way. So Hibiscus enlists Ruth's help, to handle any temptations. Hibiscus & Ruthless marks the second movie for writer/director SQS (Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa) — who won keen audiences in 2015 for his first feature, Samoan-set comedy Three Wise Cousins. Stuff reviewer James Croot praised the new film's casting, comedy and pathos.  

..an even bigger and better crowdpleaser [than Three Wise Cousins]. This sophomore feature is a more polished affair, which retains Cousin's charm, but throws in some bolder narrative choices and a surprising amount of pathos. It also offers plenty of laughs too, from disastrous dates to memorable wedding dances...

– James Croot, in a four and a half star review, Stuff website, 23 January 2018

Key Cast & Crew

Suivai Pilisipi Autagavaia

As: Hibiscus

Anna-Maree Thomas

As: Ruth

Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (SQS)

Director, Writer

Abba Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa

Producer

Lafitaga Mafaufau

As: Mum

Yvonne Maea-Brown

As: Grandma