Set in the Kāpiti Coast of Northern Wellington in 1981, it stars Kevin Paulo as a mixed race Samoan New Zealander who falls in with a group of shoplifters, led by an Eastern-European immigrant played by Jacek Koman.

In the Wellington suburb of Paekākāriki in 1981,[2] mixed-race teenager Willie and his younger brother, Solomon, spend increasing amounts of time away from their violent father and religious mother.

Casting for Shopping was difficult; Sutherland said they toured many colleges to find their lead but eventually stumbled upon Paulo at a restaurant.

[1] The New Zealand Herald rated it 4/5 stars and called it "an affecting, memorable movie that is sure to figure in local best-of-year lists" despite minor issues in plotting.

[10] American trade publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, commenting on the film's uncompromising authenticity, both said that outsiders may find it different to understand or relate to.