Ms. Information

In March 2020 the air in New Zealand is full of opinions about a scientist called Dr. Siouxsie Wiles. We meet Siouxsie doing her regular radio slot, talking about underground volcanoes and the mysterious sound of the narwhal. She's seen in her lab, conducting scientific research, executing art installations and working with students. We understand that she's a highly decorated microbiologist. Then her suburban family idyll is interrupted with the arrival of a mysterious virus and this mother, scientist and press-favourite is taking calls from all over the world explaining Covid-19 science - and having her lunch delivered to her desk by her adoring husband. The sky is full of approving voices for this 'clear and kind' science communicator. A whirlwind of media activity ensues, with Siouxsie working at breakneck speed to keep up with the demands of the media, relaying to all that she hopes that New Zealand will lockdown. Husband Steven and daughter Eve wade in with observations about this version of Siouxsie, the media sensation. Siouxsie cries with relief when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces that New Zealand is going into lock down. Siouxsie and Eve hunker down with Lego TM and baking but emerging from the New Zealand streets comes opposing voices. We meet Billy TK, an aspiring politician and conspiracy theorist. We meet Damien Dement, 'a white supremacist', and others like them, who are explicit in their hatred of this pink-haired scientist. The skies turn from positive social messaging to negative abuse; "Nauseating" and "Attention Seeking Whore" then moving into "Satanist", "Dumb Slut" and "c*nt". Meanwhile, Siouxsie is trying to get her science research funded but her Covid celebrity status is working against her, and she is turned down. Two local artists are trying to help the cause, by creating posters declaring her "the Queen of Science" in an effort to raise money for her fund-strapped lab. Siouxsie is winning awards, for "her clear and helpful health advice" in front of adoring audiences yet the abuse keeps 'vomiting' (a tweet) back in her direction. She is confronted by her biggest adversary in a hotel they happen to both be staying at, who accuses her of being "dangerous" and "not even from here" in his live broadcast, and then he wonders if she is "bi-sexual". After lecturing to university students about pandemics, Siouxsie takes time to be with daughter Eve over their mutual love of Lego TM. Eve and Siouxsie discuss the concept of feminism and Eve reveals her own take on what she's seeing. Siouxsie decides to see an internet specialist lawyer, in an effort to understand what she can do, as a victim of social media bullying; "I don't like bullies, and I don't back down" she explains. The lawyer advises her of her rights, identifying that her employer, Auckland University, should be protecting her against these onslaughts. As the noise levels from her detractors intensify - literally spilling into her hair-dying appointment. Siouxsie takes time out with husband Steve to visit a beachside music festival. She basks in the love of her fans - and her husband - and we understand more about the man behind the woman, and his role in their marriage. Siouxsie at home preparing for the event that signifies the biggest accolade New Zealand can offer amidst a cacophony of family and responsibilities. The pressure is showing, and all of the vitriol and recognition revisit her in technicolour. Awarded New Zealander of the Year by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the celebratory scene is cut off, to hear Siouxsie decry that she never wanted attention; "I only wanted to give people information". Back in the home sanctuary, daughter Eve and husband Steven play a board game. As they cagoule Siouxsie off her laptop, we see that she has something important she needs to finish. In a social media message, Siouxsie proclaims that she's taking a break. She's stepping away from the limelight to spend time with her family.