SOMERSAULT

“Somersault” is a compelling coming-of-age drama directed by Cate Shortland and starring Abbie Cornish. Set in a small Australian town, the film follows the tumultuous journey of a troubled teenager named Heidi as she navigates the complex terrain of self-discovery, love, and personal redemption.

Heidi, a 16-year-old girl, finds herself at a crossroads when her volatile relationship with her mother spirals out of control after trying to seduce her mother’s boyfriend. She seeks an escape from her unstable home life and runs away to a picturesque ski resort town in the Australian Alps. Here, in an unfamiliar environment, Heidi encounters a series of transformative experiences that shape her path toward self-realization.

As Heidi explores her budding womanhood, she becomes entangled in a series of relationships, including a passionate affair with a reckless and charismatic local boy named Joe. This romantic involvement leads Heidi down a dangerous path, blurring the lines between love, desire, and self-destructive tendencies.

Through encounters with diverse characters, including Irene, a lonely farmer’s wife, and Bianca, a rebellious local girl, Heidi confronts her insecurities, fears, and desires. With each interaction, she learns valuable lessons about trust, vulnerability, and the importance of forging genuine connections.

“Somersault” is a raw and emotionally charged exploration of adolescent turmoil, beautifully captured by Cate Shortland’s sensitive direction and Abbie Cornish’s captivating performance. The film delves deep into the complexities of identity, sexuality, and the search for belonging, ultimately revealing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity