1 review
A sweet coming of age film from Australia, filmed entirely on set in Adelaide.
Toni Collette was unexpectedly beautiful with minimal makeup "on stage". She usually seems to (last example was her exemplary performances on the acclaimed series, United States of Tara (2009-2011))- but must have especially had fun in this role.
Many strange occurrences left unexplained and things presented as if this is the way it always has been. Also needed more background and backstory; one thing I really wish they explained because it could have made a spectacular side story is what have her the inspiration for her Blueburger "name poem introduction". After all, if it really was merely fumbling in her mind to fill in the blanks, how could she have received it a second time during the penultimate scene in front of the entire school, nearly identically? There was no poster is the room, flashback, etcetera, like there usually would be, inserted during its creation.
Unfortunately, there was an overall inability to consistently hold an audience's interest. Unevenly edited. Many characters were archetypal, cliches, or, frankly, unrealistic caricatures surprisedly representing your equivalent to the high school crowd.
This film did have some excellent musical choices; even mix of classical-including choir and religious- and modern pop to rock with meaningful lyrics. Predictable coming of age story, with the typical be true to who you are, fitting in, struggling to decide who your friends are, learning that being popular is not all there is in life, loyalty to worthwhile family members and true friends. Stand out exploration of early mental health and having to deal with grieving.
Lead actress Danielle Catanzariti was chosen in an open audition for this debut role, bolstered by genuine performances by Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider fame) and veteran actress Toni Collette.
There are a limited number of decent Australian films easily available in America and this was a pleasure to watch, even though- not quite there in a couple qualities- it packed what it took to be an amazing film.
Toni Collette was unexpectedly beautiful with minimal makeup "on stage". She usually seems to (last example was her exemplary performances on the acclaimed series, United States of Tara (2009-2011))- but must have especially had fun in this role.
Many strange occurrences left unexplained and things presented as if this is the way it always has been. Also needed more background and backstory; one thing I really wish they explained because it could have made a spectacular side story is what have her the inspiration for her Blueburger "name poem introduction". After all, if it really was merely fumbling in her mind to fill in the blanks, how could she have received it a second time during the penultimate scene in front of the entire school, nearly identically? There was no poster is the room, flashback, etcetera, like there usually would be, inserted during its creation.
Unfortunately, there was an overall inability to consistently hold an audience's interest. Unevenly edited. Many characters were archetypal, cliches, or, frankly, unrealistic caricatures surprisedly representing your equivalent to the high school crowd.
This film did have some excellent musical choices; even mix of classical-including choir and religious- and modern pop to rock with meaningful lyrics. Predictable coming of age story, with the typical be true to who you are, fitting in, struggling to decide who your friends are, learning that being popular is not all there is in life, loyalty to worthwhile family members and true friends. Stand out exploration of early mental health and having to deal with grieving.
Lead actress Danielle Catanzariti was chosen in an open audition for this debut role, bolstered by genuine performances by Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider fame) and veteran actress Toni Collette.
There are a limited number of decent Australian films easily available in America and this was a pleasure to watch, even though- not quite there in a couple qualities- it packed what it took to be an amazing film.
- ASuiGeneris
- Sep 5, 2025
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