Somersault
Somersault

Movie spotlight

Somersault

2004
Movie
105 min
English

Australian teenager Heidi is left with little choice but to leave home after she's caught red-handed with her mother's boyfriend. With few options, Heidi ends up in Jindabyne, a tourist community. Upon meeting Joe at a bar, she pursues a relationship with him and tries to find something resembling a normal home life. Heidi makes small strides by getting a job and finding a place to stay, but her relationship with Joe must overcome more than its share of hurdles.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users78%
Director: Cate ShortlandGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Heidi, a young woman with a troubled past, attempts to escape her life by moving to a remote country town. She quickly becomes involved in a complex and passionate relationship with the son of her mother's new partner. As their intense connection deepens, Heidi grapples with her desires and the secrets that threaten to consume her.

Critical Reception

Somersault was highly praised by critics for its sensitive direction, strong performances, and evocative atmosphere. It was particularly lauded for Abbie Cornish's breakout performance, which earned her numerous accolades. The film was noted for its raw portrayal of adolescent sexuality and emotional turmoil, resonating with both critics and audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Abbie Cornish's compelling performance as the conflicted protagonist.

  • Hailed for its sensitive and intimate exploration of young love and desire.

  • Noted for its atmospheric cinematography and understated emotional depth.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional resonance and the strong lead performance. Some viewers found the pacing to be slow, but most were captivated by the film's intimate portrayal of its characters' inner lives and relationships.

Awards & Accolades

Won 13 awards including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress at the Australian Film Institute Awards. Abbie Cornish received numerous nominations and wins for her performance.

Fun Fact

The film was Cate Shortland's feature directorial debut, and it immediately established her as a significant new voice in Australian cinema.

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