My First Summer

Honestly the most wholesome, joyful and sorrowful thing I have ever had the pleasure to watch. The acting is superb- Stewardson I have seen in other things so I knew her acting would be fantastic but Kavenagh has balances the action perfectly and thrives in a deprived character bringing true mental health awareness. Both of them are so skilled. Found has written a perfect script which they have managed almost without a flaw. The cinematography and music elevates this piece. Just lovely.

16 year old Claudia has lived a secluded life with her writer mother in rural Australia. When her mother dies, Claudia is bereft. She is discovered by Grace, a young local woman who cycles into her life on a red bike, dressed in a pink fairy skirt. Grace initiates the fragile and timid Claudia into new experiences and into the wider world she has previously only heard bad things about. She introduces her particularly to strawberry milk, but many other mysteries and delights.

It's an interesting scenario that develops, with beautifully scripted interactions between the girls.

The rustic setting is gorgeously portrayed, as are the innocent and lovely girls. (DOP Matthew Chuang) Gentle melodic songs mingle with magpie and chicken noises to sweeten the rich psychological drama.

Maiah Stewardson plays Grace, Claudia's mentor and saviour. Claudia is played by Markella Kavenagh (Lord of Rings tv serial).

This is a wonderful story, beautifully told. A highlight of the Adelaide Film Festival.

Was so cute, even when it was evident that they had low budget I think they did it great, the photography was beautiful, the story kind of interesting, and the actresses were absolutely fenomenal, I was really surprised of how I liked it.

Warning. Suicide content. I watched this movie this morning in bed feeling miserable with a cold awaiting a Covid test. I recommend watching it in bed, somehow feeling cocooned by my doona helped me be more fully emmersed and comforted as required. What a gem of a movie! I love Australian film and still very much enjoy handing over my money at the box office to take a seat in front of the big screen whenever a new Australian film is released.. Somehow I missed this one. This poignant story explores the honesty of what it is to be a girl and the unpredictability of transitioning to womanhood. It weaves the complexities of truth, trust, trauma and loss with the terrifyingly wonderful ideas of love and friendship. The sensitivity in which the difficult subject of mental Ill health and suicide are dealt with is to be applauded. The gentleness takes nothing away from the experience. Washed with a quintessential Australian flavour, the professionalism of two amazing young actresses and you are left feeling you have just been part of something very special.