Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt)

Alright, well I hadn't even heard about this 2020 movie prior to getting the opportunity to sit down and watch it. So I didn't really know what to expect from it, aside from it being a romantic comedy. That is usually not the genre of movie that I am in a particular rush to get to watch, but I had the opportunity to watch "Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) from writer and director Monica Zanetti here late in 2020, so I did.

I must admit that it was the movie's title that lured me in, especially the "(& Ellie's Dead Aunt)" part, because it just added a whole different layer to what the movie potentially had to offer.

"Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt)" was a movie that actually turned out to be an entertaining and enjoyable movie, and it actually had a good story to tell and something of a heart to share. This is definitely a movie that surprised me. The storyline was interesting and appealing, just as it was entertaining and enjoyable.

The cast in the movie were people that I was not already familiar with, and that is definitely something that I enjoy when watching movies; seeing new faces and talents on the screen, and not associating them with previously portrayed characters and roles in other movies. The two lead actresses Sophie Hawkshaw (playing Ellie) and Zoe Terakes (playing Abbie) definitely carried the movie quite well, and they had good on-screen chemistry together, but alone they were also quite good. Rachel House (playing Patty) was a nice addition to the movie's cast, and her face was oddly recognizable, I just can't put my finger on where it is I have seen her before. And Marta Dusseldorp (playing Erica) really delivered a very memorable performance.

The dialogue in the movie was good, and there definitely was a lot of one-liners that could easily jump from the screen and out into real-life.

One thing that the movie suffered from was its very linear storyline. There were no surprises along the way, and that made for a very predictable story and movie, sadly so.

My rating of "Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt)" lands on a six out of ten stars. I can warmly recommend that you take the time to sit down and watch this 2020 movie, if you have the chance to do so.

This film was brilliant. So many one-liners and funny moments, mixed in some really emotional scenes. The edge of your seat "will they?" of classic romcoms and awkwardly relatable conversations. A really fun film, whether you like AFL or not. See it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh out loud and tear up. All the characters are entertaining and well acted. It was refreshing to watch a film with such a great diversity of female characters. Most of all I really enjoyed watching such positive and healthy interactions between characters. Ellie in particular is so likable as a character (and portrayed beautifully by the actor). She communicates her feelings openly and honestly and while Abbie is more 'flawed' and uncertain they navigate their relationship in a healthy way that I think provides a good road map for teens on how to have healthy, productive relationships. I find it very heartening to see some films offering a more balanced, rational portrayal of the teenage years, something I wish had been more prevalent in my formative years.

I'd look at Rotten Tomatoes and Amazon reviews for a more accurate representation of this film. So charming, so funny - clearly a low budget but it still won the AACTA award for best Indie film in Australia. I'm a good repressed queer so naturally obsessed with the English teacher.

Australian teen Ellie is struggling to ask her classmate Abbie to the formal. That's when her Fairy Godmother shows up. She's her gay aunt Tara who died before they ever met. Tara has all kinds of advice whether Ellie wants it or not.

This is cute with a moment of emotional reveal. Ellie is a bit amateurish but there is a sweetness in that. It's the awkwardness of puppy love, no matter the sexual orientation. Dead Aunt Tara tries her best to inject irreverence into this movie. Again, it's cute. In a Hollywood production, the lead would be more experienced and prettier. This feels more awkward and that's perfectly fine.