Somersault

Directed by Cate Shortland
Film Movement Classics
2004
106 Minutes
Australia
English
Drama, Romance, Classics
Women Directors, Coming of Age, Sex & Sexuality
Not Rated
DVD $150.00
Blu-ray $150.00
PPR $350.00
DRL $499.00
PPR+DRL $599.00

To submit an order, request a preview screener, or ask a question contact Erin Farrell

Following a reckless encounter with her mother’s boyfriend, teenage Heidi is forced to flee home and restart her life, finding refuge at a motel in the icy ski town of Jindabyne. There, she lands a job at a petrol station, befriends her warm co-worker Bianca, and meets Joe, a young man grappling with his own emotional baggage. As Heidi and Joe pursue a shaky relationship and search for normalcy against a bleak winter backdrop, they must confront their vices, feelings of isolation, and need for love and belonging.
Cate Shortland’s stunning feature debut is a “frank and visceral film that at the same time exudes an unexpected innocence” (Los Angeles Times). Featuring early performances from Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington, Somersault sheds light on the complexity of growing up and the quiet ache of loneliness.

Somersault has been restored in 4K by Piccolo Films from the original 35mm master negative and final mix master audio components. Restoration by Ray Argall in consultation with Anthony Anderson, Robert Humphreys, Sam Patty and Cate Shortland.

Cast

  • Abbie Cornish
  • Sam Worthington
  • Lynette Curran
  • Highest Rating
    "Shortland paints a collage of regret: evocative snapshots of what might be; gritty footage of what is. Her cast is bursting with promise."
    James Christopher, The Times (UK)
  • Highest Rating
    "Director Cate Shortland has created a truthful, textured tale, exploring the subtlety and sensuality in all her scenes -- and never taking them exactly where expected."
    E! Online
  • Highest Rating
    "A frank and visceral film that at the same time exudes an unexpected innocence."
    Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times
  • Highest Rating
    "[A] brilliantly realistic performance by Abbie Cornish as Heidi."
    V.A. Musetto, New York Post
  • Highest Rating
    "Cornish's raw, nuanced performance and Shortland's sympathetic but unsentimental portrayal of Heidi's fumbling steps toward maturity are underscored by Sydney-based band Decoder Ring's catchy, angst-ridden score."
    Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide
  • Highest Rating
    "Cornish is a marvel..."
    Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
  • Highest Rating
    "[I]t's impressive -- and so is Cornish."
    Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
  • Highest Rating
    "Heartfelt, painful, exhilarating and, above all, truthful."
    G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle
  • Highest Rating
    "Cornish's is the most goddamn, gosh-wow debut I've seen in years."
    Kimberley Jones, Austin Chronicle
  • Highest Rating
    "This beautifully understated feature (2004) revolves around sex, but it’s neither erotic nor puritanical; its young characters are governed by their urges, but the experience itself seems as neutral and mysterious as sleep."
    J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

Gallery

Awards & Recognition