The Insatiable Moon

Arthur, a Māori man who sees himself as the second son of God, wanders the Ponsonby streets in search of the Queen of Heaven, offering guidance to those around him. He positions himself as a beacon in the neighborhood, influencing the day-to-day through small acts and words of wisdom. This early path establishes his role as a spiritual anchor for the boarding house residents.

In a bustling local café, Arthur meets Margaret, a community worker, and their exchange immediately implies a deeper resonance. The moment feels scripted, as if the city itself is watching for a spark between them. They discuss faith, care, and responsibility, hinting at a growing personal connection.

The Marae Investigates crew arrives at the Ponsonby boarding house, turning the home into a filming site and raising the temperature with cameras and chatter. Arthur remains a calm, guiding presence for the residents as the outside world intrudes. The intrusion foreshadows how public scrutiny will intersect with private lives.

At a funeral for one of Arthur's friends who died by suicide after battling mental illness, Margaret attends on behalf of a colleague overwhelmed by guilt. The service becomes a quiet space for reflection where Arthur and Margaret share a sacred moment. Afterward, Arthur invites Margaret back to the boarding house and introduces her to Bob and the other residents.

Back at the boarding house, Margaret is formally introduced to the residents, and a quiet, complicated bond forms between her and Arthur despite her marriage. They share moments of humor and concern, building a growing sense of mutual responsibility. The connection deepens, underscoring how their lives become intertwined.

With the house's future at stake, health bureaucrats push for changes, backed by a real estate developer eager to reshape the neighborhood. Vicar Kevin teams up with Bob and Margaret to organize a meeting where businesses and residents discuss the situation. Voices clash, no clear decision emerges, and Arthur's frustration boils over until Bob escorts him out.

Arthur clings to hope through a lottery ticket that could fund repairs and additional support for residents. When the numbers come up empty, the loss lands hard, shaking the fragile routines of the boarding house. The failed windfall intensifies the sense of isolation and danger looming over the place.

Norm, a friend who sometimes stays at the house, urges Bob to consider taking Arthur to a mental hospital for assessment and care. The plan disrupts the daily rhythm but is presented as a necessary step toward safety. It marks a turning point that pushes everyone toward a difficult reckoning.

While Arthur is away, a woman whose daughter was abused by the man who died delivers a cheque for $100,000 as a lifeline to secure the house's future. The sudden gift shifts power dynamics, introducing mercy and money into desperate times. The event underscores how financial leverage can both aid and complicate care.

Arthur is admitted to the hospital for treatment, and attempts to escape are thwarted as staff administer sedatives. The mixing of his medications with the actual treatment creates a dangerous turning point that leads toward tragedy. Resuscitation efforts fail, and Arthur's life hangs in the balance.

The aftermath leaves Bob grappling with anger toward hospital staff, while Margaret is devastated by Arthur's death. The boarding house mourns together as best it can, facing an abrupt, painful loss. The community's routines are shattered, replaced by a shared sense of grief.

A funeral is held to mark Arthur's passing, bringing the boarding house residents, Margaret, Bob, and Norm together in mourning. The ceremony emphasizes the fragile bonds and the lingering impact of his leadership. The loss casts a long shadow over the neighborhood.

In the film's final scene, Arthur sits on a park bench with Norm, offering him a pie and a moment of quiet connection. Norm realizes Arthur may not be truly present in that instant, yet the gesture remains a lasting memory. The image lingers as a poignant farewell beyond the last frame.