Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Charlotte Gainsbourg | ... | Dawn | |
Morgan Davies | ... | Simone (as Morgana Davies) | |
Marton Csokas | ... | George | |
Christian Byers | ... | Tim | |
Tom Russell | ... | Lou | |
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Gabriel Gotting | ... | Charlie |
Aden Young | ... | Peter | |
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Penne Hackforth-Jones | ... | Mrs Johnson |
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Gillian Jones | ... | Vonnie |
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Zoe Boe | ... | Megan Lu |
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Bob MacKay | ... | Ab |
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Ryan Potter | ... | Tree Lopper |
Murray Shoring | ... | Council Inspector | |
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Taren Stewart | ... | Lou's friend |
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Robert Joseph Stewart | ... | Lou's friend |
The O'Neills lived happily in their house in the Australian countryside. That was until one day fate struck blindly, taking the life of Peter, the father, leaving his grief-stricken wife Dawn alone with their four children. Among them, eight-year-old Simone denies this reality. She is persuaded that her father still lives in the giant fig tree growing near their house and speaks to her through its leaves. But the tree becomes more and more invasive and threatens the house. It must be felled. Of course, Simone won't allow... Written by Guy Bellinger
Peter O'Neil dies suddenly in front of his family. His wife Dawn (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is devastated and she's left with four kids to care for in the outbacks of Australia. The girl Simone starts talking to the giant tree next to their home. Its roots are getting into the pipe and a giant branch crashes into the home. She gets a job at the plumbing supply store and starts a relationship with owner George. Her neighbors want her to cut down the tree before the roots get into their pipes. Simone defends the tree against George claiming to hear her father.
This is a slower, meandering story like a tree slowly strangling the house. It has a dreamy feel. Some of it looks beautiful but some of it gently rocks the audience to sleep. It has some appeal but mostly, it's a low intensity tale. The neighbors could have given more tension. In the end, the storm is a convenient way to blow all the story branches away.