Tweet

A winner of no less than 13 Australian Film Awards, Cate Shortland’s debut feature Somersault is instantly reminiscent of Lynne Ramsey’s contemplative and poetic Morvern Callar. Like that film, Somersault follows a young woman, Heidi, trying to escape a troubled life, manifested by an inexplicable attempt at seducing her mother’s boyfriend. Fleeing to an Australian snow resort the promiscuous Heidi then uses her feminine guile to secure a job and shelter.

Played out with sparse dialogue, the film relies on the talents of its lead actress Abbie Cornish, to convey Heidi’s guarded emotions. Like Samantha Morton by way of a young Nicole Kidman, Abbie’s expressive face successfully makes Heidi an intriguing character. Is she looking for a father figure? Love? Affection? Or simply a bed for the night?
Gorgeous to look at, the silence leaves space for beautiful images of a rarely-seen Australia, bathed in blue washes or the violet filter of discarded goggles. These stark images, along with atmospheric music add to an overwhelming sense of foreboding. However, where other films might spiral into tragedy, Somersault has a few welcome surprises before the end.

 

Steve Turner on 7th July 2005
View all 30 of Steve Turner's reviews