SOMERSAULT (2004)

DIRECTOR: Cate Shortland
STARRING: Abbie Cornish, Sam Worthington

I had not heard of this film until I fell in love with Australian actress Abbie Cornish via her role in Jane Campion’s Bright Star. Upon doing my research on her I came across Somersault, an independent Australian darling that apparently won all sorts of awards at various prestigious film festivals. Naturally, I had to see it.

Ms. Cornish stars as Heidi, a precocious sixteen year old whose blossoming sexuality is beginning to rear its head. She runs away from home after she is caught kissing her mother’s boyfriend, traveling to the ski town of Jindabyne, and embarks on something of a journey of self-discovery, both sexual and emotional, becoming involved with a reserved local farmer named Joe (played by Sam Worthington of Avatar fame — bet you didn’t know he was an Aussie!). The film focuses on their hesitant relationship, following her desperation for love and his sexual uncertainty.

Somersault doesn’t have much of a story to speak of and depending on how one looks at it, this is both its strength and weakness. The film is essentially a showcase for Ms. Cornish’s talent, which, in my opinion, is nothing short of extraordinary. She plays Heidi as a full flesh-and-blood person, showing her intense vulnerability as well as her uninhibited, magnetic nature. She is achingly human, and Cornish doesn’t shy away from the heavier side of her character. Sam Worthington is also noteworthy; he is fully deserving of the attention he’s currently receiving in America. Anyone who doubts his talent on the basis of his success in Avatar should see his performance here, for he certainly holds his own as Joe.

The lack of story, however, may also turn off many audiences. As much as I loved Ms. Cornish’s performance I did have a hard time viewing the film in one sitting, and movie-watchers of today may feel that there just isn’t enough here to hold their attention. It certainly isn’t a film typical of American cinema. I recommend the film on the basis of its being an excellent character study, but don’t expect a traditional arching storyline.

FINAL GRADE: B+ (mostly for Abbie Cornish)