SOMERSAULT

Year: 2004
UK: Metrodome Distribution
USA: Magnolia Pictures
Cast: Abbie Cornish, Sam Worthington, Lynette Curran, Erik Thomson, Hollie Andrew, Leah Purcell, Olivia Pigeot, Blake Pittman
Director: Cate Shortland
Country: Australia
USA & UK: 106 mins
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language and sex
USA Release Date: 21 April 2006 (Limited Release - New York and Los Angeles)
UK Release Date: 4 March 2005

US Distributors

Synopsis

A visually haunting film, set at the foot of the Australian ski fields, SOMERSAULT is the story of a young girl's sensory journey, through which she learns the true meaning of love, family and friendship.

Living with her young single mother, sixteen-year old Heidi (Abbie Cornish), starved of true affection, looks to short-lived sexual encounters for the physical and emotional contact she craves. A confrontation with her mother is the catalyst for Heidi leaving home and fleeing to the snow resort town of Lake Jindabyne.

Once there, she contacts a previous fling but is left to fend for herself with little money and no job. In between searching for work, Heidi explores the countryside, finding solace in the startling natural beauty around her.

A chance encounter with Joe (Sam Worthington), the son of a wealthy local farmer leads to a developing relationship in all its complexity. A local motel owner Irene (Lynette Curran), sensing Heidi's turmoil, offers her a place to stay. Feeling uplifted, Heidi manages to find a job at the local petrol station and befriends her co-worker Bianca (Hollie Andrew). Heidi's new life begins to take shape.

Resistant at first, Joe finds himself drawn to Heidi. However, his continuing internal struggles prevent him from plunging headlong into the relationship, choosing instead to withdraw without explanation. Joe's relationship with Heidi challenges his ideas of sexuality, class and his future in Jindabyne.

Confused and hurt by the rejection, Heidi resorts to seeking out intimacy in the seedy nightclubs of the tourist town. She damages her newfound relationships as her world unravels around her.

In the harsh light of morning, Heidi must respond to the hurt she has caused others. Through the transforming power of forgiveness, she learns that she is more than she had realised.