How to Make Gravy

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.

Paul Kelly's beloved Christmas song "How To Make Gravy" comes to life in Australian drama that transforms a simple musical narrative into a powerful exploration of family, separation, and redemption. The film takes the core story of Kelly's song-a man in prison, writing a letter home during the holiday season-and expands it into a deeply moving cinematic experience.

The protagonist, Joe, is serving time during the Christmas period, separated from his family and haunted by the memories of past celebrations. Kelly's song becomes more than just a musical backdrop; it's the emotional core of the narrative, with the lyrics serving as a structural blueprint for the film's exploration of loss, longing, and hope.

Cinematographically, the film captures the Australian Christmas with a raw, authentic touch. Scenes alternate between the claustrophobic prison environment and the warm, bittersweet family gatherings on the outside. The visual palette shifts between cold, institutional blues and the warm, nostalgic tones of family gatherings, creating a stark contrast that mirrors Joe's emotional landscape.

The performance at the heart of the film is extraordinary. The lead actor brings remarkable depth to Joe, capturing the complex emotions of a man separated from his loved ones during the most family-oriented time of the year. His portrayal goes beyond the simple narrative of the original song, exploring his own upbringing, and how its led to his incarceration, and his desperate desire for connection.

Music plays a crucial role, with Kelly's song serving as both inspiration and narrative thread. The film expands on the song's simple premise-a man teaching his brother how to make gravy-into a broader exploration of family traditions, forgiveness, and the small moments that define human relationships. Each of Meg Washington's musical moment feels like a direct extension of the character's inner world.

The supporting cast brings depth to the family dynamics. We see the impact of Joe's absence through the eyes of his family-the tension, the love, the complicated emotions of those left behind. The film doesn't simplify these relationships but presents them in all their messy, complicated reality.

The film brilliantly expands on Kelly's original song, transforming a four-minute musical narrative into a full-length exploration of family, loss, and the possibility of reconciliation. It captures something quintessentially Australian-the ability to find humor, hope, and connection even in the most challenging circumstances.

A deeply moving, authentically Australian film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt separated from those they love, "How To Make Gravy" stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement, and an instant Australian classic.

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.

My new favorite Christmas movie. Nick Waterman masterfully turns Paul Kelly's lyrics from "How to Make Gravy" into a Christmas tale about family, regret, anger, betrayal, forgiveness, love, hope, respect and friendship.

Daniel Henshall as Joe takes us on an emotional journey and I felt connected with Hugo Weaving as Noel, the prison cook who unites the inmates.

Quality Australian production with some surprise cameo's to look out for in Paul Kelly and Adam Briggs.

Make a roast with gravy (and don't forget the dollop of tomatoe sauce for sweetness), and sit back with the family and enjoy Merry Christmas!

How to Make Gravy, the 2024 Australian film directed by Nick Waterman, offers a fresh take on storytelling that really resonates. Based on Paul Kelly's beloved song, the film tells a touching and thought-provoking story that keeps you engaged.

Waterman does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, making them feel real and relatable. His keen eye for detail and the genuine emotion he brings to each scene make it a must-see. The cast delivers solid performances, and their chemistry adds a nice touch of realism to the film.

It's a great movie for the festive season that will definitely spark some conversations!