Back of the Net

A very touching film about a young, female footballer (Ellen Dorman-Gajic) pursuing her dreams while at the same time caring for her grandmother (Maureen Casey) who is suffering from advanced dementia.

The film features stellar performances and a humble, slice-of-life story. Ellen Dorman-Gaijic (who was also the writer) is wonderful and relatable as Maya, while Maureen Casey brings a nuanced and heartbreaking portrayal of the grandmother who is slowly fading with stark moments of awareness and profound insight.

A lovely narrative of how under-appreciated the women's sporting world is (still), while also featuring the unbalanced responsibilities of women in the role of family caregivers.

Tom Goodman-Hill gives a very believable and sad performance as Maya's father, distanced from the suffering of his mother and the ambitions of his daughter.

I highly recommend. Bring tissues.

I've watched a fair few shorts, and a lot have some strong moments - but this one felt just really thought out from start to finish. An attention grabbing beginning, some really funny and moving moments throughout, and an inspiring ending. I loved the emphasis on generational, almost passed down talents that have yet to really thrive. And also - generational patterns that have proven time and time again to be a strain, and something to put a stop to. I really enjoyed it - loved the snappy pacing of determined moments, and the moments of reprieve in through-provoking ones. I felt revved-up to go and do things in my own life! Well done.