The Dressmaker

Based on Rosalie Ham’s best-selling novel from 2000 comes The Dressmaker. It’s the story of Myrtle ‘Tilly’ Dunnage who returns to her home town of Dungatar in country Victoria to care for her elderly mother and right the wrongs of the past.

Judging from the trailer, it’s easy to assume that this is a simple drama, tailored to a predominantly female audience. But I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of issues dealt with in the story. Death, love, family and femininity are all wonderfully addressed by Australian director Jocelyn Moorhouse. Towards the end of film, it felt like all details of the book were shoved together last minute. But the film has a kitschy Baz Lurhman-esque feel to it, so any out of the blue plot developments didn’t feel too out of place.

The main character Tilly is played by the magnificent Kate Winslet. This British superstar can do no wrong, but she puts in a particularly wonderful performance as a femme fatale with a haunted past. Tilly was cast out of Dungatar as a child following accusations that she murdered one of her classmates. After enjoying a successful fashion career abroad, she returns home to confront the hazy details of that day and seek revenge one dress design at a time.

Winslet has fantastic chemistry with Judy Davis who plays her mother, ‘Mad Molly’ Dunage. Their shenanigans and mother daughter banter will make you laugh, while their tender moments of bonding will make you cry. There’s a wonderful supporting cast of Australian industry favourites like Hugo Weaving (The Lord of the Rings), Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters) and Shane Jacobson (Kenny).

Moviegoers may also appreciate shirtless scenes involving Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games). I was expecting to watch him deliver a stunted performance that only obligatory arm candy can give, but his character Teddy McSwiney is warm, honest and instantly likeable. The fact that Winslet is 15 years his senior makes the romance between Tilly and Teddy slightly unbelievable, but their connection on screen makes up for it.

You can’t talk about The Dressmaker without mentioning the truly breathtaking costumes. The Emmy Award-nominated Marion Boyce created some stunning looks for the women in the film. Not only do the outfits capture the glamour of the 1950s, but they remind the viewer that a woman doesn’t need to show a lot of skin to be sexy. It’s a wonderful throwback, not just in fashion but in values. From the red lipstick, tilt hats and intricate beading, you could watch this movie with the sound off the costumes are that beautiful.

Visually stunning and brilliantly acted, this little slice of Australian cinema is not to be missed.