Somersault Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teenager makes a series of increasingly poor life choices in the Australian Alps, then… not much happens, really.

🍿 Somersault: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Flight and Arrival

Heidi, a teenager, impulsively kisses her mother’s boyfriend and flees her home. She arrives in the Snowy Mountains of Australia, seeking refuge and a fresh start. This escape marks the beginning of her journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening amidst a stark, unfamiliar landscape. The initial act sets the stage for Heidi’s exploration of identity and relationships.

Seeking Connection

In the ski resort town, Heidi navigates the complexities of adulthood and intimacy. She quickly seeks out connections, engaging in various sexual encounters as a means of finding affection and belonging. Her naivety and vulnerability are apparent as she struggles to distinguish between sex and genuine emotional connection. This part of the plot emphasizes her confused state and desire for intimacy.

Relationship with Joe

Heidi forms a complex relationship with Joe, a young farmer grappling with his own emotional and sexual uncertainties. Their connection is characterized by a mix of attraction and hesitation, reflecting their individual struggles with identity and expression. The dynamic between Heidi and Joe provides a focal point for themes of emotional vulnerability and the difficulties of forming meaningful relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Heidi (Abbie Cornish): A 16 year old girl who runs away from home and seeks to discover love while exploring her sexuality.
• Joe (Sam Worthington): A local rancher’s son struggling with suppressed emotions and sexuality who forms a complex connection with Heidi.
• Irene (Lynette Curran): The motel owner who offers Heidi a place to stay and becomes a surrogate mother figure.
• Adam (Damian de Montemas): The coworker that Heidi sleeps with, that later causes problems for her.
• Nicole (Olivia Pigeot): Heidi’s mother whose relationship with Heidi is damaged after an incident involving Nicole’s boyfriend.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Heidi: “I just wanted someone to love me.” – This line encapsulates Heidi’s yearning for connection and understanding, a driving force behind her actions.
• Joe: “I’m not a bad person.” – Said by Joe, highlighting the internal struggle and complexities of the characters in the film.
• Irene: “You’re not alone, Heidi.” – A moment of empathy and understanding, offering a glimmer of hope amidst Heidi’s isolation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $92,214
• Worldwide Gross: $1,482,316

💥 Somersault Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Somersault’ to be a deeply personal and reflective experience. Abbie Cornish’s portrayal of Heidi is raw and compelling, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence. The stunning Australian landscapes serve as a beautiful backdrop to Heidi’s emotional journey. The film left me pondering the complexities of relationships and the search for self-discovery. I appreciated its understated approach and the way it allowed the characters’ emotions to resonate without resorting to melodrama.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie films”
  • “Those interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Admirers of Australian cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Implied sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• IN Los Angeles Magazine: “Shortland’s direction is as languid as her ambling script, but her style is effective nonetheless, providing a showcase for the talents of both Worthington and Cornish. More back story on the characters would have made them more three- dimensional.
• N/A: “Visually breathtaking cinematography with deep reds and blues uniquely reflecting the colors of Jindabyne and an unrestrained performance from Abby Cornish make this a decent movie.

Audience Reactions

Abbie Cornish gives a stunning performance.: The movie beautifully captures the struggles of growing up.

The cinematography is gorgeous.: The film is visually poetic and emotionally resonant.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant coming-of-age story with strong performances, though some find the narrative slow-paced and ambiguous.

Awards

1. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Film)- 2004
2. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Direction)- 2004
3. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Original Screenplay)- 2004
4. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Actress)- 2004
5. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Supporting Actor)- 2004
6. Australian Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) (Best Cinematography)- 2004

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was written and directed by Cate Shortland, marking her feature directorial debut.”
• “Somersault was filmed in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia, capturing the stark beauty of the landscape.”
• “Abbie Cornish’s performance as Heidi earned her critical acclaim and several awards, establishing her as a rising star in Australian cinema.”
• “The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the search for connection in a raw and unflinching manner.”

🖥️ How to Watch Somersault?

Currently, ‘Somersault’ is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. To view, consider checking for digital rentals or purchases on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Somersault, you might like these similar films:

• Thirteen (2003): Explores similar themes of teenage angst, identity, and sexual exploration in a raw and realistic manner.
• Fish Tank (2009): Features a young female protagonist navigating a difficult family situation and searching for connection.
• Beautiful Kate (2009): Australian drama that explores complex family dynamics and repressed emotions in a rural setting.

🛒 Somersault Related Products

• Australian Cinema: The New Wave: Explore the themes and filmmakers of the Australian New Wave, providing historical context for ‘Somersault’ and other significant films from the period.
• Snowy Mountains Australia Landscape Photography: Purchase prints and artwork showcasing the iconic landscapes featured in ‘Somersault’, capturing the beauty and solitude of the Australian Alps.

🎧 Soundtrack

Somersault features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Once Again” – performed by Matt Walker & The Necessary Few
• “Decoder Ring” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Decoder Ring – Somersault

Ever wondered about the music that makes Somersault so dreamy? Check out this track from Decoder Ring, the band behind the film’s awesome soundtrack! I think it perfectly captures the movie’s vibe.

Mark Kermode reviews Somersault (2004) | BFI Player

Want another take on ‘Somersault’? Mark Kermode’s review is super insightful, and it’s always interesting to hear his thoughts. He points out some things I totally missed the first time around!

Tribute to Sam Worthington – Somersault

Sam Worthington really shines in ‘Somersault’, right? This fan-made tribute video perfectly highlights his amazing performance. It’s a great way to relive some of his best moments in the movie!

✨ Rate