How to Make Gravy

I didn't think it was possible to take a classic Australian song loved by millions and make it into a classic Australian movie that no doubt will be loved by just as many. Everyone associated with this movie should be very proud of their achievement. It hits every mark and emotion the song evokes, and some. The writing, acting and direction are excellent and the setting is perfect. It even has a cameo of the original singer/songwriter Paul Kelly as the bus driver. It feels real and believable in every sense. Those who love the song won't be disappointed, nor will those unfamiliar with it. I loved it and will definitely watch it again.

Paul Kelly's song becomes a feature film in telling a ballad about a father unable to express true emotions. Instead, to the distraught of his family (more importantly his son), he ends up in prison for a violent outburst on a family Christmas Day. This is where the journey begins for him, and Daniel Henshall plays it with an emotional depth that has you drawn into the conflicting character, along with Hugo Weaving back to form as the wise prisoner cook.

An Australian movie that brings back hope to the art of a perfectly two hour storytelling structure, thanks to a screenplay by Meg Washington (a most underrated Australian musician), and debut feature director, Nick Waterman, who really get the characters that embody the Aussie suburban culture. And what joy to see Paul Kelly make a cameo.

"How To Make Gravy," directed by Nick Waterman and co-written with Meg Washington, is a poignant and beautifully crafted adaptation of Paul Kelly's iconic Christmas song.

The film delves into the emotional complexities of family and redemption, bringing to life the characters immortalised in Kelly's lyrics. Daniel Henshall delivers a compelling performance as Joe, a newly imprisoned man grappling with the weight of his absence during the family's first Christmas without him.

Hugo Weaving's portrayal of Noel, a veteran prisoner who becomes a father figure to Joe, adds profound depth to the narrative, exploring themes of guidance and personal growth. The film's visual storytelling is enhanced by Edward Goldner's cinematography, which captures both the starkness of prison life and the warmth of familial bonds.

Samuel Dixon's synth score, complemented by Washington's original songs, enriches the film's emotional landscape, resonating with the larrikin soul of Kelly's deeply felt ditty.

"How To Make Gravy" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Kelly's songwriting, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved Australian classic. It is a must-watch for both fans of the original song and those seeking a heartfelt Christmas narrative that transcends traditional holiday storytelling.

My Review - How to Make Gravy My Rating 6.5/10 Streaming on Foxtel

How to Make Gravy is a movie adaptation of a classic Christmas song based on the same name by Paul Kelly .

I'd never heard of it before until the conclusion of this movie and I won't be adding it to my mixed tape of Christmas songs.

The composer Paul Kelly even has a cameo in the movie as a bus driver.

The plot - A family gathers together to celebrate their first Christmas without their grandmother and tensions rise when Roger the brother in law played by Damon Herriman of Joe played by Daniel Henshall sarcastically taunts Joe about losing his job just before Christmas.

Violence fuelled by alcohol occurs between the two men and lands Joe in prison.

Joe eventually meets a lifer prisoner Noel (a nice Christmas name) played by Hugo Weaving who eventually convinces him to face his anger .

Joes wife Rita visits her husband in prison but is reluctant to subject their children to seeing their father unconvinced of his intention to face his anger issues , especially after Joe is involved in another violent fight in prison.

Don't expect festive fun ,jolly songs or happy families in this very Australian Christmas fare as it is heavy going at times featuring domestic violence and family angst .

I found How to Make Gravy well worth watching because of the impressive performances especially from Daniel Henshall as Joe and Agathe Rousselle as Rita . Joe's young son played by Jonah Wren Phillips is also impressive.

It's an average predictable at times mawkish script with no surprises by Meg Washington and Nick Waterman however it has a good message and well produced.

An incredible movie, inspired by one of the most iconic Australian songs. This was such a heart breaking story that was subtle in all the right ways.

The performances of Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall are so authentic and they are able to portray a deep emotion behind every scene. The heartache and pain behind their eyes feels so real.

This could have easily been another Australian cinema fail but they have don't the song justice. Seeing an authentic Australian life on screen is so important and it's great to see the government invest in media like this.

It's also fun to hear an all-Aussie soundtrack to a movie.

Just beautiful.