Stranded

I was privileged to see this at LA Film Festival yesterday and was really impressed. It's both an exploration of how a family survives and recovers in the wake of a loss, and how a teen who's got no choice but to make her own decisions gains her own sensibilities and independence as a human being. Dealing with an apathetic father who appears to have given up and a hostile sister who's not mature enough to be without guidance, she finds a way to come to terms with the family tragedy and her own sense of loss, and finds her strength and, in doing so, provides a focus for healing. The director's creativity was constrained by the industry to produce a film of 50 minutes and did a remarkable job of exploring the circumstances and personalities involved with surprising depth. All the actors did a great job of portraying their characters; they were believable and it was possible to be empathetic even if they weren't the most likable groups of people you could meet. I rated it a 5 out of 5 in the audience survey and look forward to seeing it again.

This was a little gem. It deserved a lot more publicity. There was so much that was covered in 52 minutes. There really wasn't a time where I felt that I was bored by this story. It held my (and particularly my partner) interest all the way through. The lead character's coping with grief and different members of her family were very real. The relationship between the sisters was particularly convincing. The story, performances, direction, cinematography and music were truly outstanding. The few reviews here and overseas (London Film Festival) were evidence enough of the quality of this film. There aren't too many films in IMDb that get a 9!!!

A really great Aussie film starring two of Australia's brightest young female talents, Emma Lung and Emily Browning.

I watched the film with my dad and he hates intellectual films or dramas, preferring the typical meaningless comedy or action, but he actually really enjoyed this. He loved it as it reminded him of my sister and myself, so any sisters or anyone who knows a pair of sisters will 100% relate and identify with this film! :) It has a really good story, solid but it seems like its not going anywhere. Emma is Claudia, the protagonist and she is the character we like and support the most. She is possibly the most sane, actually doing something with her life. Emily is Penny, her psychotic younger sister who needs to develop a brain.

Emily looked really young in the film, which I didn't like, especially teamed with her smoking. I know she was messed up because of her mum, but it seemed cheap. Everyone smokes to seem "hardcore" but I thought it was just inappropriate.

Really Aussie, but if you like great thinking films or the gorgeous Emma Lung you'll love this!

My initial reaction to 'Stranded' was outrage that this short film had yet to be praised on an international scale. It's an incredibly beautiful film that delves into the lives of a rural Australian family coping with the aftermath of their mother's suicide. It explores the profoundly complex relationships between the two sisters and their father with a sort of conviction that you rarely see in multi-million dollar films. Perhaps the most compelling facet of 'Stranded' is not its beautiful fluidity, but its brave and honest portrayal of grief, joy and passion.

The cinematography of 'Stranded' is an art in itself and rivals a soundtrack that is as raw and genuine as the film's premise. Coupled with the sincere performances of new-comer Emily Lung and Robert Morgan, Stuart McDonald delivers an uplifting film that celebrates life.

8/10