Westgate

Quite an interesting story set in the late 90's where Netta, a single mum, is doing her best to raise her 12-year-old son, Julian, in West Footscray. As a tough, strong-willed single mum, she has raised him to be self-sufficient while doing her best to protect him from the strains of life. But as Netta deals with financial woes, Julian's health issues, an unreliable ex-husband and the tragedy that has cast a shadow over her life - the death of her father, killed along with many other migrant workers in the collapse of the West Gate Bridge in 1970 - she is barely able to keep her own head above water. Attempting to keep a promise she made to her son on a day when all of her pressures come to a head, Netta is left to search for new sources of strength and, at long last, face the grief she's been running away from. Pretty good local production definitely worth checking out.

I watched Westgate and honestly, I was blown away. From the very first scene it had me hooked. The story of a mum doing everything she can to keep her head above water while looking after her sick son is powerful and feels so real. You can feel the stress, the pressure, and the love driving her at every step.

The performances were spot on - nothing over the top, just raw and believable. The pacing kept me on edge the whole way, but what I really liked was that even though it's heavy at times, there's still hope and heart in it. It's the kind of film that makes you stop and think about how strong people can be when life throws everything at them.

This is one of the best Aussie films I've seen in ages. Huge credit to everyone involved - you should all be really proud.

Westgate is a gripping, heartfelt and incredibly human story that pulls you in from the very first moment. The tension of a single mother racing against time to protect her son while navigating financial and emotional turmoil is both raw and powerful. The performances feel deeply authentic, making the characters' struggles resonate on a personal level.

What stood out most was how the film balanced intensity with vulnerability - every scene carried real weight, but also a sense of hope beneath the hardship. The direction and pacing kept me hooked, and the emotional payoff was both moving and unforgettable.

This isn't just a film about survival - it's about love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of impossible odds. Westgate left me thinking long after the credits rolled, and I can't recommend it highly enough.