Tommy

The messiness and heartbreak of divorce is a well-trod territory in film. See 2019’s Marriage Story as a recent example, which had the distinct honour of being critically acclaimed and a ubiquitous Twitter meme. Rarely however is the child of divorce the primary focus of the film; so often are the parents bickering around them to pay them much attention. As is the case in Tommy, a short-length feature film about the titular Tommy, whose parents are ensnared in a bitter custody battle, but where the focus is entirely on the oft neglected child.

Throughout the film, Tommy (Ari Newman) himself says very little, and often retreats into an intricate fantasy world guided by his friend Tiger Terry when the going gets tough. This is how we get to know him, through watching his silent retreats, understanding better than anyone – especially his parents – why he can’t be present in the real world right now.

Anyone familiar with a divorce (whether familial or peripheral) will recognise the coded bitter language Tommy’s parents use when speaking to him about each other. Tommy’s mum shakes her head when picking Tommy up from his dad’s house after learning Tommy ate pancakes for breakfast: ‘Your dad should know better.’ When Tommy is later visiting his dad again, his dad asks why his mum implied he didn’t want to visit him, finally concluding that Tommy’s mum lies about that stuff. Both parents are buffeted by new partners; Tommy’s dad’s is a bad influence, and Tommy’s mum’s is a well-meaning meddler. On the surface, Tommy’s mum appears to undeniably be the better parent, and Tommy certainly appears to prefer spending time with her, but her rage spills over in uncontrollable bursts in an effort to protect him from his father, which has the opposite effect and ultimately frightens and alienates her son. 

Tommy culminates in a violent, shocking ending that almost acts as a catharsis for all that Tommy has endured throughout the film. In a way, it ensures his pain can finally be seen for the first time by his parents, and brings his reality and the one he has created in his head crashing down together in one abrupt jolt.

Directed by Scott Dale, Tommy is an emotional and difficult film that does an admirable job of conveying of a child’s trauma in the midst of adult drama. The film features some incredible set design (Tommy’s imaginary submarine is brought vividly to life), and Newman does incredible work as the young Tommy. Its final shot is haunting, and fitting, reminding us that, in the midst of a divorce, there are often no victors here. 

TOMMY – Teaser from S.K Dale on Vimeo.

Tommy
To view the film, visit tobeloved.org.au