The Extraordinary Miss Flower

In this unconventional documentary – part film, part performance art, part fever dream – Emilíana Torrini is joined by an all-star cast in uncovering a life of hidden romantic intrigue.

After the untimely passing of Zoe Flower’s mother, Geraldine, she discovered a box bulging with florid love letters from mysterious men scattered across the globe. The discovery was puzzling: was her Australian-raised mother a free spirit, a prolific heartbreaker or perhaps even a spy? Zoe handed the letters over to her friend, Icelandic musician Emilíana Torrini, who went on to craft an album dedicated to Geraldine – a mesmerising anthology of songs that sets the pace for this strangely chimeric, boundary-blurring film.

The latest hybrid documentary from 20,000 Days on Earth (MIFF 2014) directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard debuted in official competition at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. Narrated by pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor and built around Torrini’s creative process – including performances of the songs from her album – the film also features hilarious and touching letter readings from a range of musical and cinematic luminaries such as Nick Cave, Richard Ayoade (Submarine, MIFF 2011) and Angus Sampson (100 Bloody Acres, MIFF 2012), while Alice Lowe (Timestalker, MIFF 2024) cheekily acts as biographer and Caroline Catz (Doc Martin) brings the enigmatic subject of the film to life.

“Inventive and creative … This is a mercurial performance film that melds biographical fragments with melody; theatre and dance with visual experimentation.” – Screen Daily