What astounded me most about 52 Tuesdays was Billie's almost unusually warm response to her mother's decision to have sex reassignment surgery. The young teenager treats it with humour, understanding and an almost detached manner despite the fact that her mother essentially demands she move out while she goes through the transitioning process. Her sexual exploration and "acting out" that proceeds the mother's revelation could be taken as a sign of a neglected, confused young girl.
The strongest aspect of this film in my opinion was the performances. Tilda Cobham-Hervey gives a spectacular breakout performance and the supporting cast are equally good. The only thing that disappointed me about this film was the dialogue, which tended to seem unnatural at times. For example, when Billie walks in on her school peers engaging in sexual acts, she's randomly asked if she would like to "play a game"... and says yes in such an impulsive manner that bothered me because it seemed contrived and unlike Billie, who seemed to have a lot of insight and awareness into such hedonistic behaviour. It seemed more fitting that Billie would hesitate such an invitation or be so above it that she would decline it. There were a few other lines that seemed a little insincere, but I'll let them slide on account of a mostly solid script and decent characterisation.
The vulgarity was off putting at times and bordered on shock value. Why would a mother let her lesbian partner take videos of herself for her daughter, then expose her breasts? This certainly isn't the norm for an Australian family, so I suppose it was just a slice of life for these atypical people. Ultimately however, Billie was very admirable and likable. She always had a zest for life. I suppose her increasing promiscuity throughout the film was an extension of her mothers own gender doubts and an exploration of human sexuality that most of the youth will encounter.
Rich characterisation compensates for what is not a very plot-driven narrative. Although the film did not exactly drag, it's tepid pace may affect the younger 'ADHD' smart-phone generation who need constant stimulation and action to enjoy a film. If you appreciate a decent, richly layered character study, offering an unlikely "slice of life" with satisfying character progression, then see this film. It is well made and very engrossing. I will certainly look out for the upcoming films of the cast and crew involved, particularly the director, Sophie Hyde and the lead actress (Tilda Cobham-Harvey).
The strongest aspect of this film in my opinion was the performances. Tilda Cobham-Hervey gives a spectacular breakout performance and the supporting cast are equally good. The only thing that disappointed me about this film was the dialogue, which tended to seem unnatural at times. For example, when Billie walks in on her school peers engaging in sexual acts, she's randomly asked if she would like to "play a game"... and says yes in such an impulsive manner that bothered me because it seemed contrived and unlike Billie, who seemed to have a lot of insight and awareness into such hedonistic behaviour. It seemed more fitting that Billie would hesitate such an invitation or be so above it that she would decline it. There were a few other lines that seemed a little insincere, but I'll let them slide on account of a mostly solid script and decent characterisation.
The vulgarity was off putting at times and bordered on shock value. Why would a mother let her lesbian partner take videos of herself for her daughter, then expose her breasts? This certainly isn't the norm for an Australian family, so I suppose it was just a slice of life for these atypical people. Ultimately however, Billie was very admirable and likable. She always had a zest for life. I suppose her increasing promiscuity throughout the film was an extension of her mothers own gender doubts and an exploration of human sexuality that most of the youth will encounter.
Rich characterisation compensates for what is not a very plot-driven narrative. Although the film did not exactly drag, it's tepid pace may affect the younger 'ADHD' smart-phone generation who need constant stimulation and action to enjoy a film. If you appreciate a decent, richly layered character study, offering an unlikely "slice of life" with satisfying character progression, then see this film. It is well made and very engrossing. I will certainly look out for the upcoming films of the cast and crew involved, particularly the director, Sophie Hyde and the lead actress (Tilda Cobham-Harvey).