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SOMERSAULT Send This Review to a Friend
“Somersault,” set in Australia and written and directed by Cate Shortland, is a gritty drama focused on Heidi, a 16-year-old who is caught by her mother while making advances toward her mom’s boyfriend. The mother, played by Olivia Pigeot, rages against her, fueling feelings of alienation that already exist on the part of the teenager, and she runs away, winding up in a ski resort town.
Abbie Cornish is quite striking as Heidi, and she bears watching for what she may do in the future. Heidi becomes involved with a young man named Joe (Sam Worthington), but she finds it difficult to sustain a relationship without being self-destructive. This tendency also applies to the relationship she develops with a co-worker and her mother. The story, although simply told, is emotionally overwrought, but it is always interesting, and Cornish commands attention for her looks and performance.
In fact, Cornish is a compelling reason to see this film, for it is possible she may turn out to be a major star. She radiates qualities that are special. Worthington is also intriguing in his portrayal of Joe, whose relationship with Heidi is complicated by his homosexual feelings. A Magnolia Pictures release.
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