Somersault

Director Cate Shortland’s debut feature dazzled at Cannes when it premiered in 2004, starring Abbie Cornish as a young woman in search of connection.

After a catastrophic argument with her mother, Heidi (Abbie Cornish, Bright Star, Candy) escapes to the wintry town of Jindabyne. Vulnerable and in search of work and a place to sleep, she enters a tumultuous relationship with emotionally reserved local Joe (Sam Worthington). 

Curator’s Note

Abbie Cornish’s mesmerising performance is tactile, luminous, and sometimes unearthly – portraying a young woman discovering her sexuality with tenderness.

Hypnotic and memorably scored by Decoder Ring, Somersault competed at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard category before winning all 13 categories in which it was nominated at the 2004 AFI Awards, including Best Film, Actress, Actor and Director. Cate Shortland went on to direct Lore and Berlin Syndrome before venturing into the Marvel Cinematic Universe to direct Black Widow in 2021.

A landmark of early-2000s independent Australian cinema, Somersault has been lovingly restored to 4K. 

– Ella Cawthorn, Film Programs Coordinator