June Again

Don't normally like these type of movies as they're either very depressing or very crass. This was beautiful. Acting was superb. Please watch. You won't regret it.

Probably Noni Hazlehurst's strongest performance ever. She really carried the film. She managed to balance both tender moments, with laugh-out-loud ones, all the while portraying dementia in an authentic, raw manner.

It was impossible not to think of my dear grandmother, who sadly passed from dementia years ago. In fact, June Again will probably draw parallels to The Father in its accurate and effective portrayal of dementia.

Stephen Curry and Claudia Karvan shared excellent chemistry with Noni. I enjoyed a brief appearance from Steve Le Marquand too.

I was engaged with this movie throughout and it really tugged at the heartstrings. June Again truly manages to effortlessly tick many boxes and is distinctively Australian at the same time. It's a beautiful story, that manages a few gentle twists and turns, while wrapping things up nicely.

I'm glad I made the time to sit down and watch this with my Mum. Can't help thinking this is quite the hidden gem and that more people should check it out!

2021 has certainly seen its fair share of feature films about dementia. The brilliantly staged 'The Father', the intimately moving 'Supernova'; the yet to be released Australian movie 'Ruby's Choice' and the title reviewed here: 'June Again' starring Aussie acting legend Noni Hazelhurst.

With quite the mix of tonal shifts through its duration, 'June Again' also stretches believability and does cut corners at times, but its heart is absolutely in the right place and it gives Noni her best role in decades. I gather that the Writer/Director JJ. Winlove did research into the subject matter, and a short term respite from the ravages of dementia can occur in certain cases, but as the device used here to explore family and estrangement within relationships, it felt a little at odds with the veering from gravitas to comedic sequences and be tackling dementia.

'June Again' is made most enjoyable by the leading lady and Noni Hazelhurst gives a tour de force in the title role and reaffirms why she is a national treasure. Having won a pair of AFI awards for Leading Actress in the 1980's, this film gives her the opportunity to reach into her acting toolkit and creates a wonderfully vivid and inimitable figure; one that is sure to earn the showbiz veteran another prize.

Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry give wonderful supporting turns as 'June's' offspring and both have some terrific scenes with the star as well as with one another. Notwithstanding some of my concerns about the construct of the movie, there is much to relate to in the family dynamics. Curry is especially good here.

There are some brilliantly written and directed sequences that effectively convey what must be the indescribable experience of losing one's cognitive functions. Having marveled at Anthony Hopkins in 'The Father', Noni Hazelhurst also gives a master class in facial and vocal expression to depict the tyranny of dementia. For this, the movie excels.

So a mixed bag for me, tonally, but there is no denying the cogency of the performances by the central trio, and the fact that the condition is so pervasive in contemporary life, stories like 'June Again' even with some credulity issues, are essential viewing.

This is a heartwrenching portrayal of what it would be like to deal with dementia and a stroke by a family. Noni Hazlehurst was extraordinary in this and I thought Stephen Curry was fantastic as per usual. The cameo by Darren Gilshenan was a highlight. I'd watch this if you're a fan of Australian comedy. You won't be disappointed. I was welling up by the end!

Absolutely loved this movie it was such a beautiful story and each character was captured exceptionally .. though it was tinged with sadness it was also extremely funny and joyous.