5 reviews
Paul Kelly's song becomes a feature film in telling a ballad about a father unable to express true emotions. Instead, to the distraught of his family (more importantly his son), he ends up in prison for a violent outburst on a family Christmas Day. This is where the journey begins for him, and Daniel Henshall plays it with an emotional depth that has you drawn into the conflicting character, along with Hugo Weaving back to form as the wise prisoner cook.
An Australian movie that brings back hope to the art of a perfectly two hour storytelling structure, thanks to a screenplay by Meg Washington (a most underrated Australian musician), and debut feature director, Nick Waterman, who really get the characters that embody the Aussie suburban culture. And what joy to see Paul Kelly make a cameo.
An Australian movie that brings back hope to the art of a perfectly two hour storytelling structure, thanks to a screenplay by Meg Washington (a most underrated Australian musician), and debut feature director, Nick Waterman, who really get the characters that embody the Aussie suburban culture. And what joy to see Paul Kelly make a cameo.
An incredible movie, inspired by one of the most iconic Australian songs. This was such a heart breaking story that was subtle in all the right ways.
The performances of Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall are so authentic and they are able to portray a deep emotion behind every scene. The heartache and pain behind their eyes feels so real.
This could have easily been another Australian cinema fail but they have don't the song justice. Seeing an authentic Australian life on screen is so important and it's great to see the government invest in media like this.
It's also fun to hear an all-Aussie soundtrack to a movie.
Just beautiful.
The performances of Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall are so authentic and they are able to portray a deep emotion behind every scene. The heartache and pain behind their eyes feels so real.
This could have easily been another Australian cinema fail but they have don't the song justice. Seeing an authentic Australian life on screen is so important and it's great to see the government invest in media like this.
It's also fun to hear an all-Aussie soundtrack to a movie.
Just beautiful.
- oscardevereaux
- Nov 30, 2024
- Permalink
"How To Make Gravy," directed by Nick Waterman and co-written with Meg Washington, is a poignant and beautifully crafted adaptation of Paul Kelly's iconic Christmas song.
The film delves into the emotional complexities of family and redemption, bringing to life the characters immortalised in Kelly's lyrics. Daniel Henshall delivers a compelling performance as Joe, a newly imprisoned man grappling with the weight of his absence during the family's first Christmas without him.
Hugo Weaving's portrayal of Noel, a veteran prisoner who becomes a father figure to Joe, adds profound depth to the narrative, exploring themes of guidance and personal growth. The film's visual storytelling is enhanced by Edward Goldner's cinematography, which captures both the starkness of prison life and the warmth of familial bonds.
Samuel Dixon's synth score, complemented by Washington's original songs, enriches the film's emotional landscape, resonating with the larrikin soul of Kelly's deeply felt ditty.
"How To Make Gravy" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Kelly's songwriting, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved Australian classic. It is a must-watch for both fans of the original song and those seeking a heartfelt Christmas narrative that transcends traditional holiday storytelling.
The film delves into the emotional complexities of family and redemption, bringing to life the characters immortalised in Kelly's lyrics. Daniel Henshall delivers a compelling performance as Joe, a newly imprisoned man grappling with the weight of his absence during the family's first Christmas without him.
Hugo Weaving's portrayal of Noel, a veteran prisoner who becomes a father figure to Joe, adds profound depth to the narrative, exploring themes of guidance and personal growth. The film's visual storytelling is enhanced by Edward Goldner's cinematography, which captures both the starkness of prison life and the warmth of familial bonds.
Samuel Dixon's synth score, complemented by Washington's original songs, enriches the film's emotional landscape, resonating with the larrikin soul of Kelly's deeply felt ditty.
"How To Make Gravy" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Kelly's songwriting, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved Australian classic. It is a must-watch for both fans of the original song and those seeking a heartfelt Christmas narrative that transcends traditional holiday storytelling.
- michaelmortlock
- Dec 1, 2024
- Permalink
I love the song from which this film materialised but the sentiment is far too heavy handed.
The cast is great however there's not much here for them to work with and many a scene feels well overplayed and cheesy.
The prison scenes are unrealistic to the point that it would appear the writers and director didn't bother to consult with anyone or research that particular environment and the message around redemption and love are ham-fisted with actual reference to literally making gravy in the prison kitchen so the audience can more so lean into the significance of his role at Christmas time rather than the idea that he's missing being there and that inclusion.
I know the writers understand the basis of the song but they've failed to portray it and have tried to oversimplify it for the audience.
It's not an awful film, it's just pretty average and something you would expect to see programmed into the lunchtime/afternoon tv movie slot on a weekday.
The cast is great however there's not much here for them to work with and many a scene feels well overplayed and cheesy.
The prison scenes are unrealistic to the point that it would appear the writers and director didn't bother to consult with anyone or research that particular environment and the message around redemption and love are ham-fisted with actual reference to literally making gravy in the prison kitchen so the audience can more so lean into the significance of his role at Christmas time rather than the idea that he's missing being there and that inclusion.
I know the writers understand the basis of the song but they've failed to portray it and have tried to oversimplify it for the audience.
It's not an awful film, it's just pretty average and something you would expect to see programmed into the lunchtime/afternoon tv movie slot on a weekday.
- cameronorourke
- Nov 30, 2024
- Permalink
My new favorite Christmas movie. Nick Waterman masterfully turns Paul Kelly's lyrics from "How to Make Gravy" into a Christmas tale about family, regret, anger, betrayal, forgiveness, love, hope, respect and friendship.
Daniel Henshall as Joe takes us on an emotional journey and I felt connected with Hugo Weaving as Noel, the prison cook who unites the inmates.
Quality Australian production with some surprise cameo's to look out for in Paul Kelly and Adam Briggs.
Make a roast with gravy (and don't forget the dollop of tomatoe sauce for sweetness), and sit back with the family and enjoy Merry Christmas!
Daniel Henshall as Joe takes us on an emotional journey and I felt connected with Hugo Weaving as Noel, the prison cook who unites the inmates.
Quality Australian production with some surprise cameo's to look out for in Paul Kelly and Adam Briggs.
Make a roast with gravy (and don't forget the dollop of tomatoe sauce for sweetness), and sit back with the family and enjoy Merry Christmas!